Preve earns Proton's first top crash rating

Proton has finally earnt the coveted five star ANCAP safety rating for one of their cars.

The Prevé is the first car in Proton’s range to receive the top safety rating – an achievement ANCAP Chairman Lauchlan McIntosh says is a testament to the Malaysian manufacturer's commitment to improving car safety.

"A lot of time and effort has been invested in improving the design and safety equipment of the Prevé and it is reassuring to see Proton reach this mark." McIntosh said in a statement. “Proton hasn’t let previous poor results for its vehicles hold it back; rather they’ve used this as an incentive to strive for the top safety rating for the Prevé.”

The Prevé managed to match the rating of several cars in the same category, including Mercedes-Benz B-Class, BMW 3-Series and the Volvo V40.

In the official ANCAP report the Prevé provided acceptable driver chest and leg protection, passenger chest protection in the even of an offset crash and side impact crash. The car received high ratings in all collision tests; however the only drawback was its rating in pedestrian protection.

"ANCAP is increasing the standards for pedestrian protection for all star ratings over the next few years," said Mr McIntosh. In order to achieve a five star safety rating, the minimum pedestrian protection rating is being raised from ‘marginal’, to ‘Acceptable’ from 2014.

The Proton Prevé was released in January of this year. Its high safety rating and affordable price tag (from $18,990) may help make it a more attractive option in a crowded compact market.