A number of new models were given five star ratings by Australia’s New Car Assessment Program or ANCAP this week including Toyota’s new RAV 4, Range Rover’s latest Evoque, Volkswagen Touareg, Lexus’s new UV SUV and the new Mazda 3. In fact, the Mazda 3 achieved a small car record rating of 98 percent for adult occupant protection. The Mazda 3’s high rating putting it in the same class as two luxury vehicles with a 98 per cent result for adult protection – the Volvo XC60 SUV and the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan. Also achieving five stars was Toyota’s re-designed HiAce van which will no doubt please many tradies – also with a maximum score the forthcoming Nissan Leaf electric car while Jeep’s new JL Wrangler came in with a disappointing 1 star rating – According to ANCAP’S CEO James Goodwin “ Chest protection was a concern for the driver and rear passenger in each of the Wrangler’s frontal crash tests.” I’m David Berthon

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