Australia Safety Group Lauds Malibu, Pans Freemont

The Holden Malibu wins the top 5-star safety rating, but the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) blasts the Fiat Freemont, saying a safety feature standard on the vehicle in Europe has been removed for the Australian market.

Giving the A$27,000 ($27,030) Freemont only four stars, ANCAP CEO Nicholas Clarke says his independent group urges consumers to accept nothing less than five stars when buying a new car.

“Models like the Freemont are purpose-built to carry up to seven occupants – in particular, families,” Clarke says in a statement. “It is therefore concerning that this model did not score sufficient points to achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating."

In addition to falling short in the area of occupant protection, ANCAP says, the midsize SUV puts Australian pedestrians at greater risk of injury if struck, with the Australian-sold Freemont lacking an “active” hood – a feature that is standard on European-market models.

Clarke says it is wrong to have features such as this removed from vehicles depending on the country in which they are sold. “We need to see the same maximum level of vehicle safety technologies offered in all countries,” he says.

“We're all equal, we should save lives equally – here, in Europe, in America, in Asia – right across the world.”

The 5-star Holden Malibu, already on sale in the U.S., China and Europe with a Chevrolet badge, offers comparable levels of safety across each of these markets.

“There's no reason why all manufacturers can't build and sell the same vehicles to all,” Clarke says.

In performing well across all tests, the Malibu provided good levels of protection to the majority of body regions for both the driver and passenger, he says.

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

GM Holden says the Malibu’s standard safety features include six airbags, a rearview camera and rear-parking sensors, electronic stability control incorporating an antilock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake distribution and traction control.

It also includes the Isofix child-seat anchorage system, an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment. An Australian standard for Isofix seats is anticipated shortly.

GM Holden Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration Manager Steve Curtis says a 5-star safety rating is an important feature for new-car buyers, offering peace of mind for drivers and their passengers.

“As a global vehicle, Malibu has achieved maximum safety ratings in several overseas markets including the U.S., Europe and South Korea,” Curtis says in a statement.