ANCAP’s increasingly strict safety standards have caught out numerous manufacturers in recent years, with cars that had previously received strong ratings failing to meet current standards, and some models having their ratings expire altogether.
ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg has led the independent group’s praise for Volkswagen; its recently updated Polo having received several safety tweaks that allowed it to achieve an updated 5-star safety rating. Updated Polo models are set to land in Australian showrooms next month.
The praise comes as some brands appear ‘gun shy’ on the topic of re-testing models in order to achieve a 5-star rating with a current date stamp. Hoorweg believes the Polo’s revisions and re-test are a “significant achievement”, adding that ANCAP encourages other manufacturers to do the same.
“The current generation VW Polo already held a strong five star ANCAP safety rating following testing when it first arrived in the market in 2018. The significance of this revised rating is that it has now earned a revised five star rating with a 2022 date stamp,” says Hoorweg.
“Volkswagen’s addition of more advanced autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assistance systems, and a centre airbag means the Polo now comes with the passive and active safety features and technologies required to earn a five star safety rating against the most stringent requirements to date.”
The changes resulted in the Polo scoring a 94 in Adult Occupant Protection, 80 for Child Occupant Protection, 70 for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 70 for Safety Assist.
Among the Polo’s subcompact peers, the likes of the Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto have 5-star safety ratings awarded five years ago in 2017. The Mazda2 and Skoda Fabia’s respective 5-star ratings are even older, having been awarded in 2015.
“This is a definite win for the safety of Volkswagen Polo buyers and the other road users these vehicles will mix with. […] Facelifts should always be more than just a new range of paint colours, engine line-ups or interior trim updates. Inclusion of the latest safety features has tangible benefits for all road users,” Hoorweg adds.
“The Polo has cleared this hurdle due to Volkswagen making an active move to further enhance its safety specification. This is a very welcome move, and one which ANCAP encourages all manufacturers to consider.”
