Mitsubishi Australia argues that a 4‑star ANCAP rating still offers high safety in real‑world crashes. Learn why it matters. Read more now.
Amid tightening automotive safety standards and a growing consumer bias toward 5‑star vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors Australia has weighed in, saying a 4‑star rating under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) still represents a robust level of protection.
Higher Benchmarks, Same Core Protection
Bruce Hampel, Director of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Australia, notes that safety expectations have risen dramatically over the past few decades. “The original purpose of the star‑rating system was to give shoppers a clear, comparable measure of crash protection,” he explains. “A vehicle that scores four stars today still performs strongly in basic impact scenarios.”
Why Some New Models Miss the 5‑Star Mark
Hampel points out that the increasing complexity of advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) – such as driver monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and lane‑keep assist – has raised the bar for the top‑tier rating. “A four‑star car built to current standards can be safer than a five‑star model tested under older criteria,” he says, acknowledging that communicating this nuance to buyers can be challenging.
Consumer Perception vs. Technical Reality
The statement comes as Euro NCAP and ANCAP scores remain a key purchase factor for many shoppers. While industry voices often argue that five stars should be the minimum benchmark, the rating methodology has evolved, making direct comparisons across model generations difficult.
Target Audience and Real‑World Needs
According to Hampel, Mitsubishi’s primary market are private‑owner buyers who may not demand a perfect five‑star badge. “In the mainstream segment, a four‑star ANCAP rating meets essential safety requirements and aligns with the expectations of a broad customer base,” he notes, adding that overly complex ADAS can sometimes feel intrusive.
The Bigger Picture
Recent analyses suggest that many newly launched vehicles, despite offering solid structural protection, fall short of five stars because they lack a few mandatory ADAS features required by updated criteria.
Takeaway for Car Shoppers
Mitsubishi urges consumers not to dismiss four‑star models outright. Instead, they should consider the scope of the crash tests, the specific rating criteria, and their own driving needs before making a judgment on a vehicle’s safety.