ANCAP: Ford Ranger And Honda CR-Z Get 5-Star Crash Safety Ratings

Ford's all-new Ranger pickup, in 4x4 specification, has landed a 5-Star crash safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), based on tests carried out by sister organisation Euro NCAP.

In Europe, the Ranger is the first pickup the achieve a 5-Star rating. While the burly Ford was beaten to the punch in the Australian market by Volkswagen's Amarok, ANCAP Chair Lauchlan McIntosh says the real winner is the buyer.

“Ford Australia has worked hard to develop this ute and ANCAP congratulates the team responsible for this excellent outcome,” Mr McIntosh said.

Mr McIntosh stressed that the 5-Star rating applies only to 18 of the Ranger's 20 variants, as these models are fitted with head-protecting side airbags.

The remaining two models - both 4x2 variants - lack these additional airbags on the standard equipment list, and therefore carry a 4-Star rating.

“We are surprised that the single cab ute does not include these airbags – a proven safety feature – and are disappointed they are not standard across the range,” he added.

“This seems to be a shortcoming, particularly as these vehicles will be targeted towards fleet purchases.”

The Ranger is far from alone in not offering side airbags as a standard across the range, with most light commercial vehicles offering the additional airbags as an option, or as standard on top-shelf models only.

• Click here for more on the Ranger's 5-Star Euro NCAP result.
• Click here for all Ranger news and reviews.