In the latest batch of cars to be tested for safety by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), four models from Kia, Skoda, Holden, and Jaguar have emerged to receive top marks.
So if you’re in the market for (or just purchased) a Jaguar XF, Holden Spark, Kia Sportage, or Skoda Superb, you can rest safer in the knowledge that it scored top marks – just don’t doze off at the wheel.
Holden Spark – Starting with the smallest entrant in this foursome, the Spark hatchback scored a 15.81 out of 16 in the side impact tests, whereas its frontal offset test received a mere “acceptable” rating. It scored well in pedestrian impact tests as well, coming out with an overall score of 33.60 out of 37 points.
James Goodwin, ANCAP’s CEO, said of the Holden: “The updated Spark is a big improvement on the model it replaces but it is lacking in more advanced safety features such as a lane support system which was standard on its European counterpart.”
Kia Sportage – The Kia scored remarkably well in the side impact protection tests with a full score of 16 points out of a possible 16. However, the frontal offset tests returned only “marginal” results for the driver’s right leg and an “acceptable” rating for the front passenger’s chest.
Overall, the Kia Sportage scored a 34.62 out of 37 point maximum. Commenting on the Kia’s results, Mr Goodwin said: “The Sportage performed well in testing and includes emergency brake assist, hill launch assist and reversing collision avoidance as standard but unfortunately Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is only offered on the most expensive variant.”
Skoda Superb – The Czech sedan scored particularly well in adult and child occupant protection with an identical score of 86 percent as well as side impact tests, where it scored nearly all maximum points (4 out of 4) except for the chest area test where it dropped slightly to 3.84 points.
The Superb picks up points for its standard-fit automatic emergency braking system, but pedestrian protection trails with bonnet impact tests rated between “adequate” and “poor”.
Jaguar XF - The updated mid-level British luxury sedan arrived in Australia earlier in 2016 and managed to score a full five stars thanks. Offering a suite of safety features as standard, the Jag scored a 35.02 out of 38 points.
Some dips in the overall score came from a “marginal” rating for rear seat whiplash protection but front passengers were well protected with perfect scores in side impact tests.
Pedestrian safety was also a plus point for the XF, aided by its autonomous braking system that diminishes pedestrian collisions.
“The XF has a high standard of safety features buyers would expect in this sort of vehicle including AEB City and Interurban. It scored the highest pedestrian rating of ‘Good’ and is fitted with an active bonnet,” said Mr Goodwin on the Jaguar XF.
