Mirage, Kuga & Beetle add to 5 Star Sales Trend

MELBOURNE – Feb 11, 2013: ANCAP today announced maximum 5 star ANCAP safety ratings for the Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Beetle - adding more 5 star choices into the market at a time of record new car sales.

The Mirage - which has returned to the Mitsubishi fleet after around a decade out of the market - achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating with solid results across all safety tests. The Mirage provides a safe choice for consumers looking for a low cost new car.

The Ford Kuga has upheld its 5 star rating across all variants of its second-generation model. The new Beetle also scored well across all tests increasing its safety rating to 5 stars - the previous Beetle had a 4 star ANCAP safety rating.

"With a record number of new cars sold in 2012 and continued strong sales in the first month of 2013, it is most encouraging to see that nearly 70% of new cars sold in January held a 5 star ANCAP safety rating," said ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.

"ANCAP wants to see this positive trend continue as we raise the bar for all safety ratings year on year."

"More 5 star cars on the market means safer drivers, occupants and pedestrians," added Mr McIntosh.

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