The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) have released the crash test results for the new model Holden Epica, which scored 4 stars out of 5 for occupant protection.

Whilst a four star result is not bad, particularly in comparison to the Holden Barina result, there’s no doubt it could be far better. In light of Holden’s big safety push, particularly with the VE, anything less than five stars should be viewed as a failure.

In terms of safety, Holden are well and truly finding themselves left behind in the Australian new car market. Holden have only had one product to score a 5 star result, the Holden Astra CDXi (2004), which was a European model.

Lauchlan McIntosh, the Chair of ANCAP, said was not exactly heaping praise on the Epica’s 4 star result.

“While a 4-star result is a reasonable outcome, several similar size cars are achieving 5-star ratings. ANCAP has been testing vehicles since 1992 manufacturers have been aware of the test program since then. We believe that high safety ratings should be seen as vital by manufacturers and consumers alike.”

Mr McIntosh was also keen to point out that whilst the Holden Epica had side head-protecting airbags on all models, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was not available on any variant.

“ESC has been shown to be highly effective in Australia in a recent analysis by Monash University Accident Research Centre. The analysis demonstrated that single-vehicle crashes causing driver injury were reduced by up to 66% in vehicles fitted with ESC. From 1 January next year, 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.”

I’m not sure what excuse Holden gave for stripping ESC from the Epica, but when you consider that relatively low priced competitors such as the Mitsubishi Lancer offer the full fleet of safety features without hiking up their prices, you can only scratch your head at Holden’s wisdom.

Holden might mean a great deal to Australia, but I wonder how much Australian lives mean to Holden?

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