Only 55% of LCV’s get 5-stars

Jeep has scored its second top ANCAP safety rating with the Jeep Patriot joining the Cherokee in achieving the maximum 5-stars in the latest batch of ANCAP safety tests.

However, the Great Wall Motors V200 ute has scored a disappointing 3-star ANCAP safety rating.

The Patriot scored well in each of the physical crash tests, offering a high level of protection for occupants.

The results released today have unveiled a worrying trend that many light commercial vehicles are not achieving a top safety rating compared to the majority of passenger vehicles.

“This is a great result for Jeep. Their first 5-star model was the 2014 Cherokee, rated earlier this year, and now the Patriot has proven it too is a safe choice for consumers,” says ANCAP chairman, Lauchlan McIntosh.

This 5-star ANCAP safety rating applies to 4×2 variants of the Jeep Patriot. 4×4 variants are unrated.

In contrast, the Great Wall Motors V200 4×4 single cab scored just 3 stars, joining the previously tested GWM V240 with a 2-star ANCAP safety rating, offering inferior protection to occupants.

“Price is of course one of the key factors when it comes to deciding which car to buy, but that shouldn’t mean we compromise on safety,” McIntosh says.

“Today’s two ratings highlight the differences we’re still seeing between passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). LCVs are still being afforded regulatory concessions when it comes to safety but there is no reason why LCVs should be built to lesser standards than passenger cars,” he adds.

In the first half of 2014, 90% of new passenger vehicles sold held a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Only 55% of LCV’s offered the same high level of safety.