Safety

Cars have come a long way in the last few years. Many features once considered high-tech or luxury in the not-so-distant past (take autonomous emergency braking for example) are now standard, offering improved convenience, functionality and, most importantly, safety.

As another year passes, another crop of vehicles forfeit their safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) – Australia and New Zealand's independent authority on crash test safety.

Fifty kilometres per hour doesn’t sound fast, but it’s enough to leave a popular small car barely recognisable in a head-on collision.

Why are beadlocks illegal in Australia? Beadlock wheels/rims are designated as strictly for off-road use (only). They are not legal for on-road use in Australia because they have not yet been approved for use on sealed surfaces and do not comply with existing vehicle standards in accordance with Australian Design Rules (ADR).

What is the darkest legal window tint Australia? Generally speaking, tinting laws in Australia are very similar in every state but the darkest legal tint accepted Australia-wide it 35 per cent VLT on front side windows, and 20 per cent VLT on any windows behind the driver.

The new Suzuki Swift has received a one star safety score from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Where do the anchors go for baby capsules and car seats in my 2017 Great Wall Steed?

Are older cars less safe than new ones? Okay, let’s rephrase that — what if the older car was once considered very safe and the new one didn’t score so well, which is safer then?

ANCAP has released a raft of new scores for eight new models which have landed in Australia this year, with some notable new entrants falling short of the maximum five-star rating.

Toyota has announced a recall for 38,072 examples of the Corolla small car.The recall affects vehicles built from 2022 to 2024, sedan and hatchback body shapes across Ascent Sport, SX and ZR model grades.The recall notice posted by the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts states that the impacted vehicles could have an issue with braking performance.It is due to a software issue in the skid control unit, which may require higher pedal force that could result in increased braking distance under certain conditions.The recall notice says a reduction in braking performance could result in an increased risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.Toyota will contact affected owners and urge them to schedule an appointment at their closest dealership to have the software updated for free.Owners can contact the Toyota Recall Assist helpline on 1800 987 366 for more information.The Corolla recall follows just days after the company issued a recall for the Corolla Cross SUV for a potential manufacturer defect that could lead to a loss of steering.