Like a washing machine or toaster safety rating  could soon become a reality for all new motor vehicles.

This is nothing new of course for years vehicles including 4x4s have been compared in safety testing . How this test is done sometimes leads to conjecture of it validity .

ANCAP the Australian authority for crash testing recently released some star ratings on new models for which it has recently crashed tested. Not all vehicles undergo this testing ,cost is a major component  however here are some results for the 4x4s that have been tested.

Child restraints and the correct fitting

Ford Territory Gets 4 stars

Remember the higher the rating the better the safety aspect and hypothetically the better chance you have in a accident to suffer a injury or worse.

As for 5 stars no real 4x4 made the grade, in that lot where, the Toyota Yaris, Citroen C6 , Peugeot 407 coupe, Subaru Tribeca, Lexus IS250 and Mercedes B class.

Now with the 4 star ratings and hello what appears, the Ford Territory amongst vehicles like the Mazda 3 , Honda Odyssey and Nissan Maxima.

3stars Holden Rodeo 4x2 and 4x4 with the Mitsubishi Colt and Toyota Hi Ace. 2007 Holden Rodeo   Holden Colorado 2008

And on 2 stars the Mitsubishi Triton 4x2 and Holden Barina..

Features make a important addition to this rating obviously  electronic stability is a prime item as this has according to the source  has proven to reduce risk of serious accident. Currently this feature is only available on approx 20- 30% of vehicles in Australia.

If vehicles are safer and we are aware of their safety rating it can only mean the saving of more heartbreak caused by accidents on the roads

Rating source ANCAP and EUROCAP

Colin Jones Just4x4sale.com.au