Ford Falcon Ute Models And BMW X1 Get 5-Star ANCAP Crash Safety Rating, 4 Stars For Mazda2

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has today announced a 5-Star crash test safety rating for the 2010 Ford Falcon Ute. The 5-Star rating is specific to models fitted with ESC, as well as head- and chest-protecting side airbags and tunnel-mounted transmission gear selector.

“These utilities are very popular for workers right around Australia, so it is important that they have the same 5-Star occupant safety as cars like the Falcon sedan” ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said today.

Based on the Falcon Ute's safety equipment configuration, the 5-Star rating has been achieved with the passing of a side-impact pole test - a test that can only be passed with the benefit of the Ute's optional safety features.

The rest of the Falcon Ute range retains the 4-Star rating awarded in 2008. Ford Australia confirmed late last year that it would not look to offer the enhanced safety features as standard equipment. 

Speaking on the topic at the time, CEO Marin Burela said that Ute customers prefer to have the option available, but not fitted as standard equipment if it necessitated a price rise.

The 2010 BMW X1 has also been awarded a 5-Star crash safety rating across the range, based on data from ANCAP's European counterpart, EuroNCAP.

ANCAP also announced a 4-Star rating for the Mazda2 line-up (2008's World Car of the Year), although models fitted with six airbags and ESC carry a 5-Star rating.