Chery J1 ANCAP Crash Test
Given recent crash test results from ANCAP (the Australasian New Car Assessment Program), some car buyers might be wary about purchasing vehicle brands being introduced into Australia for the first time.
Recent results include 2 stars (out of 5 maximum) for the Chery J11 and Mahindra Pik-Up and in 2010, 2 stars for the Great Wall utes. The Geely MK and Chery J1, both small cars, scored 3 stars compared to most small cars tested by ANCAP which are scoring 4 or increasingly, 5 stars. According to ANCAP, you are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a 1-star vehicle than a 5-star vehicle in the same crash.
However, we need to remember that we still have the Proton Jumbuck and Mitsubishi Express on sale in Australia scoring 1 star and these companies have been represented in the Australian market for many years. There are also several ute models from long-established manufacturers that score 3 stars. It’s also worth noting that the Great Wall wagon scores 4 stars.
So there is not a strong basis for avoiding the purchase of vehicles from brands recently introduced into the Australian market.
NRMA’s advice is to check the ANCAP crash ratings of any new vehicle you are considering buying. We recommend 4 stars as a minimum and preferably 5. If you are considering a second-hand car, NRMA also provides ratings based on police reports of crashes - again we recommend purchasing a vehicle from the best category.
Would you buy a car from a new car manufacturer?
Thanks Jack for a balance view. Initially I thought you were going to slam the new cars until I read a little further.
My reason for not buying a ‘new make’ would be on the basis of parts and service distribution. Until these guys get established and show their performance in the after sales arena you don’t really know what you are getting. Unfortunately for them, this is a catch 22 – how do you get this performance without getting sales???
Thanks for the article!
Another thing that also has to be considered is what you may get in a new car compared to a used car. Cars built 5 years ago would rarely have electronic stability control, while only a few do without now (and soon to be none! Thank goodness!!!)
Some of the newer entries into the market I would avoid if I were buying new, but, give them a few years and they might just surprise. Remember Hyundai? from cheep and cheerful to a brand that now gives others a run for their money!
Thanks Jack.
Good article, and it just reinforces the fact that you get what you pay for.
Whilst the majority of car makers must be commended for improvements in the structural integrity of passenger cells in new cars, and achievement of higher ANCAP ratings, it seems that there is an ever increasing reliance on technological improvements to save our skins.
Did an Ian Luff defensive driving course a few years back, and we showed that it was possible to stop in the same or less distance in a non-ABS vehicle than in one with ABS.
And if you’re going to rely on stability control to get you out of a fix, then please let me know and I’ll get out of your way beforehand.
As my dear old dad taught me, drive to the conditions – good drivers don’t get into trouble ( and they don’t have accidents either ).
Simply too many dipsticks out there, no matter what they drive.
Technology doesn’t cure stupidity, but a 5-star rating just might save your life.