Toyota’s Yaris Cross compact crossover and Isuzu’s rugged 7-seater MU-X are the latest vehicles to earn a full five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Neither result is a shock, given that the ordinary Yaris hatchback scooped up a five-star rating last year, as did the MU-X’s platform-sharing ute cousins; the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50.
ANCAP gave the Yaris Cross an 86 for adult occupant protection and child occupant protection, plus an 82 for safety assist and a 78 for vulnerable road user protection. The Cross therefore scored identical adult occupant and vulnerable road user ratings, while scoring slightly higher child protection and slightly lower in safety assist.
The MU-X, meanwhile, received an 87 for adult occupant protection, 85 for child occupant protection, 84 for safety assist, and 69 for vulnerable road user protection; similar ratings to those handed to the D-Max last year.
“The Yaris Cross achieved maximum points for its protection of adult occupants in the side impact, oblique pole and whiplash tests. Occupant-to-occupant protection was also good, with the Yaris Cross fitted as standard with dual centre airbags between the front seats to minimise potential head injury in side impact crashes,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
“The MU-X takes advantage of the safety features already demonstrated in the D-Max, and its pleasing to see this strong performance carried over into the Large SUV segment,” Hoorweg added. “Safety is a must for those in the market for a seven-seat family vehicle, and the MU-X provides a safe choice for active families.”
“With the all-new MU-X sporting the same comprehensive suite of active and passive safety equipment as the new generation D-Max, expectations were high for the MU-X,” added Isuzu Utes New Zealand general manager Sam Waller.
“We’re proud that this ANCAP announcement reaffirms our commitment to safety with both our MU-X and D-Max models having achieved the maximum 5-star safety rating.”
