ANCAP: Only three stars for LDV G10

LDV’S G10 has been handed down a lowly three-star rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), due to sub-par safety equipment and structural integrity.

The Chinese car-maker achieved an overall score of 24.49 out of 37 for the G10, which is offered as either a two-seat commercial van or nine-seat people-mover.

A score of 9.37 out of 16 was recorded for the frontal offset test, with the head region of both front occupants recording ‘good’ ratings, but all other body parts scored ‘marginal’ ratings save for the lower leg area, which was deemed ‘acceptable’.

ANCAP said the frontal offset test resulted in excessive brake pedal movement, a split in the driver footwell, and the steering column and dash components providing potential knee injuries for the occupants.

A default score of 16 out of 16 was achieved for the side impact test, even though the test as not taken.

ANCAP said that large vehicles like the G10 can be expected to perform well in the side impact test, therefore a default score of 16 was awarded.

The pole test, whiplash protection test and pedestrian protection test were not undertaken, due to the fact that the outcome of the tests would not improve the G10’s overall rating.

One out of three seatbelt reminders were equipped, while the G10 is only equipped with dual frontal airbags.

Side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags are not available.

The G10 is also devoid of autonomous safety technology, with autonomous emergency braking and lane support systems not fitted.

ANCAP CEO James Goodwin said the lack of safety in the G10, and in commercial vans in general, was disappointing.

“There were a number of serious concerns with the G10’s structural performance with the driver footwell rupturing and excessive pedal movement. Steering column and dash components were also a potential source of knee injury for the driver and passenger,” he said.

“The G10 also lacks important safety features such as head- and chest-protecting side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners which consumers today expect to be provided as standard – particularly in a vehicle which can carry up to nine passengers.

“The safety standards of passenger and commercial vans remains well below those offered in other segments with 67 per cent of vans rated by ANCAP holding a rating of four stars or less so we urge all brands to ensure an emphasis on safety carries across all market segments.”A spokesperson for LDV and its parent company, SAIC Motor, said it would strive to improve the safety ratings of its vehicles in the future.

“LDV and SAIC are disappointed with this result and will use the valuable data from this test to improve the LDV G10’s safety performance.

“SAIC recognises the importance of safety and is committed to making all future products from LDV achieve a minimum of a five star ANCAP score.”