Safety

MG HS and Chery Omoda E5 get five-star rating
By Samuel Irvine · 14 Nov 2024
Australia’s independent assessor of vehicle safety, ANCAP, has awarded a maximum five star rating to the MG HS and electric Chery Omoda E5.ANCAP said the MG HS was tested according to the body’s latest safety protocols, while the five-star rating of the existing Chery Omoda 5 – which is according to 2022 Protocols – was extended to cover the electric variant.The MG HS’ strongest test results were found in the Adult Occupant Protection category, where it scored a 90 per cent rating. This was achieved by full points awarded in the side impact, oblique pole, whiplash protection and far-side impact tests.A score of 87 per cent was also achieved for Child Occupant Protection with protection of critical body regions rated as ‘Good’.The HS’ performance in Vulnerable Road User Protection also scored well, achieving an 83 per cent score that was backed up by well-performing advanced driver assistance systems in car-to-motorcycle crash scenarios, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).Having said that, the performance of AEB back over, the system that detects pedestrians when reversing, was rated as ‘Marginal’, with the 'Driver Assist' category delivering the HS' lowest score out of the four testing categories of 73 per cent.ANCAP’s CEO, Carla Hoorweg, said MG was continuing to showcase its safety credentials.“The previous generation MG HS achieved a five-star result against 2019 criteria. Our protocols have been upgraded twice since then, so it is positive to see MG continue to invest in the safety of the HS”, said Hoorweg.While carrying over the petrol Omoda 5’s five-star rating, the Chery Omoda E5 stood up under some additional testing – such as front offset and oblique pole crash tests – to confirm its safety performance as well as the integrity of its high-voltage battery in a crash scenario.“This five-star rating for the Omoda E5 will be a welcome addition to the shopping lists of consumers and fleets in the market for a five-star EV,” said Hoorweg.Interested buyers can check out the full details of the safety report on the MG HS and Chery Omoda E5 at ANCAP’s website here.
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Ram and LDV models caught up in major recall
By Samuel Irvine · 11 Nov 2024
Ram and LDV, two brand’s under the umbrella of Australian vehicle distributor Ateco Group, have each been hit with recall notices, affecting the Ram 1500 and LDV Deliver 9 models.
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Large number of Hondas recalled in Oz
By John Law · 08 Nov 2024
A wide-reaching recall has been issued by Honda Australia concerning 16,001 vehicles sold between 2021 and 2024. 
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GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid ute scores five-stars
By Samuel Irvine · 07 Nov 2024
The first hybrid ute sold in Australia – the 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha – has passed the ANCAP safety crash test with a maximum five-star rating.
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Who gets the fine if a passenger's not wearing a seatbelt?
By Marcus Craft · 04 Nov 2024
Q: Who gets the fine if a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt? A: the driver, and usually the offending passenger as well, if they’re over the age of 16.
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How safe is the used car you’re about to buy?
By James Cleary · 30 Oct 2024
As Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and independent assessments drive vehicle manufacturers to incorporate more safety-focused technology into their new models the flow-on benefits to the used car market is proving to be a life-saver according to a new study from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
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BYD driver-safety tech ‘not recommended’
By Samuel Irvine · 28 Oct 2024
Euro NCAP, Europe’s new car safety assessor, has advised drivers of the BYD Atto 3 against using the car’s driver-assistance systems after handing down its worst rating in the testing criteria yet.
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What is the highest speed limit in Australia?
By Stephen Ottley · 23 Oct 2024
The fastest speed limit in Australia at the time of publication is 130km/h, which is only applicable on the long stretches of freeway in the North Territory. There is no national speed limit Australia applies across all states, but 110km/h on freeways, 40km/h in a school zone and 50km/h in any built up area is common across several states.
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Hyundai announces global recall of Nexo SUV
By Samuel Irvine · 22 Oct 2024
Hyundai is telling owners of its hydrogen-powered Nexo SUVs in the US to park them outdoors amid concerns a valve leak could lead to fires.
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Chinese car hit with three star safety rating
By Dom Tripolone · 22 Oct 2024
The new MG3 hatchback has been slapped with a three star safety rating by the Australiasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
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