The results were released today by the NSW Centre for Road Safety and NRMA  Motoring & Services along with a new ANCAP brochure detailing the ratings of 36 vehicles crash tested in Australia and Europe this year.

Dr Soames Job, from the NSW Centre for Road Safety, said the crash performance of the Holden Epica was assessed through a series of tests at the Centre’s Crashlab.

“The tests included a side impact and a simulated head-on collision as well as an optional pole test to assess the Epica’s likely performance in a collision with a narrow object such as a power pole or tree. 

“The outcome was a four star rating - a reasonable result, but several similar size cars have achieved full five-star ratings.

“All manufacturers should be aiming for the top 5 star rating to give consumers the highest level of protection when they purchase a new vehicle.”

NRMA vehicle safety expert, Mr Jack Haley, said while the Holden Epica had side head protecting airbags on all variants, it did not provide Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on any variant.

“As we announced last week, a Monash University study funded by RTA and NRMA showed ESC braking technology to be highly effective in saving lives,” said Mr Haley.

“The analysis demonstrated that single vehicle crashes causing driver injury reduced by up to 66 per cent in vehicles fitted with ESC.

“From 1 January 2008, ANCAP will require ESC to be fitted to vehicles as a prerequisite to scoring 5 stars. This shows the importance ANCAP attaches to this valuable safety technology.”

“We believe all new vehicles should have front, side and head protecting airbags, and ESC, as standard equipment.  This would help in reducing the overall crash fatalities and injuries in Australia and New Zealand.”

ANCAP also carried out testing on the Holden Epica for its pedestrian protection qualities. 

Dr Job and Mr Haley also agreed that its pedestrian protection rating of 2 stars out of a possible 4 stars was being exceeded by several manufacturers.

“This shows the technology is available to provide better protection for this vulnerable group of road users,” they said.

The latest ANCAP information showing the crash ratings of Australian and European vehicles is available at www.ancap.com.au, www.mynrma.com.au and www.rta.nsw.gov.au.