Safer new cars for under $30,000

Brand new cars containing five star safety ratings are available in New Zealand for less than $30,000 says the Automobile Association and Land Transport New Zealand.

Brand new cars containing five star safety ratings are available in New Zealand for less than $30,000 says the Automobile Association and Land Transport New Zealand.

The latest crash test results released by the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) found the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer and the Hyundai i30 received five star safety ratings, both of which have models retailing for less than $30,000.

General Manager of AA Technical Services, Stella Stocks says that this is fantastic news for New Zealand consumers.

“New cars with side curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are becoming more affordable for more New Zealanders. Within a few years these cars will filter down making safer second hand cars available.”

“We want to see safer drivers, in safer cars on safer New Zealand roads, and news such as this is very encouraging. Manufacturers should be fitting all models with these safety features,” says Ms Stocks.

ANCAP crash test new cars and awards them a star rating for safety based on internationally recognised protocols. ANCAP is now working cooperatively with some manufacturers to assist in the development of safer cars.