The new Ford Mondeo due for launch in New Zealand in the coming months scored highly in the latest round of ANCAP crash test ratings, with a full five-star score.
It comes equipped with a long list of safety features including side head-protecting (curtain) airbags for front and second row seats, inflatable rear seat belts, smart key, and trailer stability control.
The seven-seat Toyota Prius Vhybrid people mover also passed ANCAP assessment with flying colours, achieving high scores in all physical crash tests and providing a broad range of standard key safety features. This has enabled all variants of the Prius V built from 2012 to earn the maximum five- star ANCAP safety rating. 
"The Toyota Prius V has excellent family car credentials," said ANCAP CEO Nicholas Clarke. "It has side head-protection (curtain airbags) and seat belt reminders for all three rows, reversing camera, and provides excellent pedestrian protection."
All variants of the Lexus NXlaunched late last year also meet the same five-star level of safety.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is available for all three models but only on higher-priced variants. While this is commendable, ANCAP encourages manufacturers to make this life-saving technology standard on all variants.
All three models qualify for a 2015 ANCAP date stamp. The purpose of the date stamp is to clearly communicate to consumers the year requirements against which a model has been assessed. Earlier date stamps indicate a model has been assessed to earlier, less stringent, standards.
"With ANCAP's annual increases to requirements, ANCAP reminds consumers to look for two simple things when buying their next car. First, look for five stars. Second, look for a model which has the latest ANCAP date stamp. That way you can be assured you're buying one of the safest cars possible," said Clarke.
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.
