D40 Nissan Navara Scores 4 Star ANCAP Result

Nissan's D40 Navara dual-cab ute has been bumped up from a 3-Star ANCAP rating to 4-Stars, with local crash testing demonstrating the improved crash safety of the 2012 model year Navara.

The D40 achieved an overall score of 27.5 out of 37, and the ute scored 10.5 out of 16 in the frontal offset crash test. ANCAP noted that the Navara's passenger compartment retained its shape well, however leg protection for the driver was marginal.

However, there is room for improvement. Although stabiltiy control, ABS, EBD and dual front airbags are standard on the entry-level Navara RX, potentially life-saving equipment like side airbags and curtain airbags are not.

Side and full-length curtain airbags are standard on the more expensive Navara ST and ST-X grades.

Being upgraded from three stars to four stars definitely gives the MY12 Navara some added appeal, however dual-cab utes like the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 still lead the pack with their full 5-Star ANCAP ratings.