Nine vehicles get five stars

Improvements to Toyota’s Hilux 4x4 dual-cab utility have earned it ANCAP’s top five-star rating. It’s a step up from its four stars of 2006, which reflected a reduced selection of standard safety-assist technology available. The updated rating applies to all 4x4 Hilux diesel and petrol duel-cab variants built from November 2013. Dual frontal, side chest and curtain airbags are standard along with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC). Three-point seat belts are on all seats. Five-star ratings have also been awarded to Ford’s EcoSport Titanium, Isuzu’s D-Max and MU-X 4x4 variants, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class, Nissan’s Altima and Pulsar hatch, Suzuki’s SX4 S-Cross and the Fiat Panda, which Fiat Chrysler NZ indicates is likely launch early next year. Driver knee airbags are standard in the EcoSport, while the CLA’s active bonnet sensors detect when a pedestrian has been struck. The bonnet lifts to provide greater clearance to hard parts underneath.