Few surprises in 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings

Jul 24th, 2007 by Motor Dude

The 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings were officially released today and show that drivers or passengers are 26 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in the worst rated car, the Daihatsu Hi-Jet (1982-1990), than in the best one, the VW Passat (1998-2005).

The survey is the largest of its kind in the world and covers 279 vehicle types. It is conducted by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) with support from RACV, TAC, VicRoads, and other state and federal road authorities and motoring clubs.

Data analysed by MUARC covered more than 2.8 million vehicles involved in crashes from 1987-2005 reported to police in Australia and New Zealand.

The two criteria used to rate vehicle models were crashworthiness (how much protection the vehicle provides the driver in a crash) and aggressivity (how much the vehicle is likely to harm other road users in a crash).

Eighty six vehicle models rated better than average, with 35 of those much better than average.

It's not really suprising to learn the light/small cars often have difficulty protecting their occupants, with around two thirds in the worst category. This includes two vehicles still on sale – the Daewoo Kalos (2003-2004), which is now badged as a Holden Barina, and the Hyundai Getz (2002-2005). This is now two strikes for the Holden Barina, following up its pathetic 2 star safety rating in the new car assessment program. If you've forgotten what the Barina looks like after a crash, you can revisit it here.

The majority of the worst performing vehicles were pre-1990 models, demonstrating the gains made in occupant protection in newer vehicles.

If you're thinking of buying a second hand car in Australia, or New Zealand, then the Used Car Safety ratings should definitely be your first port of call.
You can a full list of the 2007 Used Car Safety Ratings at www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/vehiclesafety.

A number of vehicle models now score significantly better than average in terms of protecting their occupants. The vehicles that received a significantly better than average occupant protection rating, by vehicle class, are listed below.

SMALL CARS