Honda Accord updates rewarded with top safety rating

The 2014 Honda Accord (2013 model shown) has been awarded an ANCAP 5-star safety rating. Photo / Ted Baghurst

The Honda Accord has advanced to the top class having achieved a 5-star Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) safety rating following design improvements to lower the risk of injury.

Three other popular vehicles - the Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 308 (diesel) and Toyota Prius C - also scored highly, each achieving the maximum 5-star safety rating.

AA Motoring Services general manager Stella Stocks says it is good to see an ever increasing range of 5-star options for motorists.

"The latest results include a variety of vehicle sizes, catering for the different requirements and needs motorists have.

"Credit must go to Honda for demonstrating how ANCAP results can be used to manufacturers' advantage and design improvements made to provide consumers with a safer car," says Ms Stocks.

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2014 Nissan XTrail. Photo / Damien O'Carroll

The Honda Accord received a 4-star rating when it was tested in July 2013 due to an elevated risk of injury to the lower legs of the driver in the frontal offset test. The latest ANCAP test revealed improvements to design for models built from August 2014 onwards has increased the frontal offset test score to 14.79 points, up from 11.21 points for models built in June 2013 to July 2014.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

The full list of ANCAP's vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz.