OH&S vehicles
Vans and light trucks have long fallen short on safety, but the manufacturers – and fleet buyers – are finally getting the message that employees need full protection. Here are five top ANCAP performers:
ANCAP Five Stars (*****)
Volkswagen Amarok TDI340 Dual Cab manual – From $31,990
You won’t find a safer dual-cab pick-up, with stability control, anti-lock brakes and a full airbag count. Refinement and comfort bars are also raised, but the tough Amarok is hamstrung by its manual-only diesel availability. Autos arrive in 2012.
STATS: 90kW/340Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel, 7.7L/100km, 203 CO2/km
- Green Star Rating: 3 stars
- Greenhouse rating: 6*
- Air pollution rating: 5*
ANCAP Five Stars (*****)
Ford FG Falcon XR6 Utility manual – From $38,190
The safest Aussie ute achieves five stars – but only when the optional DSC stability control, head-protecting side airbags and floor-mounted gear lever are fitted (standard on XR6 upwards). Rear leaf-spring suspension ups the Falcon’s workhorse cred over Commodore – and without any loss of driveability.
STATS: 195kW/391Nm 4.0L petrol, 11.7L/100km, 279 CO2/km
- Green Star Rating: 3 stars
- Greenhouse rating: 4.5*
- Air pollution rating: 5.5*
ANCAP Five Stars (*****)
Mercedes-Benz Vito 110CDI manual: From $37,990
Pioneering head airbags, along with the expected passive and electronic safety gear, make Daimler’s mid-sized van a segment leader. Add in a civilised cabin and rorty diesel (with the gutsier 113CDI auto from $42K) and the Vito makes for a compelling van proposition.
STATS: 70kW/250Nm 2.1L turbo-diesel, 7.7L/100km, 203 CO2/km
- Green Star Rating: 3 stars
- Greenhouse rating: 6*
- Air pollution rating: 5*
ANCAP Five Stars (*****)
Holden VE Commodore Omega Utility auto: From $35,490
Handsome, with car-like comfort, yet still rugged enough to use as a work tool, the VE has one of the strongest bodies available today. The 3.0-litre petrol engine must be worked hard at times, though, which can undermine those impressive efficiency figures.
STATS: 190kW/290Nm 3.0L petrol, 9.6L/100km, 229 CO2/km
- Green Star Rating: 4 stars
- Greenhouse rating: 5.5*
- Air pollution rating: 8.5*
ANCAP Four Stars (****)
Volkswagen Caddy TSI manual: From $21,990
Unfortunately, most of the compact vans do not offer a passenger airbag as standard, but the Caddy does – as well as ABS, ESC stability control and optional side/head bags. Zippy, frugal and fun, the practical, Golf-based VW tops its class with four stars.
STATS: 63kW/160Nm 1.2L petrol turbo, 6.9L/100km, 160 CO2/km
- Green Star Rating: 4 stars
- Greenhouse rating: 7.5*
- Air pollution rating: 6.5*
For more information on the goGreen® Car Loan and full reviews of these cars, and more car tips, news and resources visit mecu.com.au to find out more.
*10 = best
Any prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing. Prices were provided by the manufacturer and exclude dealer delivery and government statutory charges.