Larger cars come off better in safety survey

The 2006 used car safety ratings released today show larger cars are safer than smaller ones.

Of the 22 large cars rated, 14 scored above average and only two below average. Luxury cars also displayed a similar standard of safety.

In contrast, light cars were found to have a poor standard of protecting drivers and passengers in a crash.

Over 300 common makes and models of cars, dating from 1982 to 2004, have been rated by the AA and Land Transport New Zealand, based on the latest safety data.

The ratings have been based on driver protection and harm to other road users, and show the differences in crash performance between vehicles of a similar size and value.

Newer models provided better driver protection, due to technology advances like airbags and crumple zones.

All but one of the large 4WDs were found to put other road users at a higher risk.

Vehicles that scored better than average in both driver protection, and harm to other road users include:
1998-2001 Toyota Corolla
1998-2004 Holden Astra TS
1997-2001 Honda CR-V
1991-1993 Honda Accord
1993-1997 Nissan Bluebird
1995-2000 Mercedes C Class
1992-1997 Ford Telstar/Mazda 626

Vehicles that scored worse than average on both counts included:
1985-1998 Daihatsu Rocky/Rugger
1982-1985 Holden WB Series ute
1982-1989 Toyota Hiace/Liteace
1983-1987 Mitsubishi Cordia
1983-1986 Mitsubishi Starwagon
1982-1990 Toyota Supra

Copies of the 2006 Used Car Safety Ratings booklet are available free at AA Centres nationwide and full results are available from the AA or LTNZ.

- NZPA