Holden only expecting 4 stars for VE

Bossxr8 · 21-07-2006, 08:24 PM

Taken from GoAuto. Holden are only expecting to match the crash safety results of the VZ for VE, they are expecting a solid 4 star result. Quite suprising as safety has become a big media issue of late, and being an all new body I would have thought 5 stars would have been the target. Who will take the first 5 star rating, Toyota or Ford. Territory was so close only a few minor changes should get it there.

In hindsight does safety sell. I'd say looks and performance would rate higher for buyer preference.

parawolf · 21-07-2006, 08:38 PM

Safety sells to a point. Consumers want certain things, and 4 out of 5 is still recognised as a solid score - probably "good enough". From there it becomes a bit of styling and substance.

If the safest car in the world looked like a house brick, drove like a mini moke and cost $18k it wouldn't sell.

Ruger · 21-07-2006, 08:41 PM

volvo ?

stevz · 21-07-2006, 10:08 PM

I don't know where go auto get their info from but it has totally contradicted everything I have read so far. I was reading an atricle only yesterday where in an interview with Denny Mooney he stated that he was confident that the VE would achieve a 5 star rating.
$1 Billion invested, a totally new platform and body structure and to only achieve the same rating as the outgoing model??? Sorry but I can't see that happening AT ALL.

Fairlane · 21-07-2006, 10:42 PM

well it had better be five star considering the money spent and the export markets it is going too.

If the 380 can get a five star rating, i cant see the VE having any problem.

JPFS1 · 21-07-2006, 11:46 PM

I've discussed this pretty heavily on LS1. Don't know if you guys read their forums. I'll try and summarise what i was discussing there.

Basically to achieve a 5 star from where Ford and Holden are now with their cars, they need to improve now on the secondary injuries, upper/lower leg and chest. To make the task a little easier, they can opt to perform an optional pole test (manufacturer must pay for this), but a requirement to eligible to do this is curtain airbags must be fitted. If they choose to do this test, it earns them bonus points.

Territory got close because it performs very well for upper/lower leg (as well as scoring well for the rest of the body), performs well in side impact and the TS (which is what was tested for NCAP, volume seller) comes standard with curtain airbags. Ford opted to pay extra for the pole test also, which meant they were awared the 2 bonus points.

Orion will be 5 star because i expect by then curtains will be standard... VE Omega will be a 4+... Won't earn extra points for pole test as it doesn't come standard with curtain bags, so not eligible, which means it would have to make up those extra 2 points from improved occupant safety. Possible but unlikely considering it seems they haven't developed their seatbelt restraint system much more. Would rely much more on very good crash characteristics, so will have to see how it goes.

JPFS1 · 21-07-2006, 11:47 PM

wasn't much of a summary was it...?

JPFS1 · 21-07-2006, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairlane

well it had better be five star considering the money spent and the export markets it is going too.

If the 380 can get a five star rating, i cant see the VE having any problem.

The 380 is a 4 star....

RegSpec · 22-07-2006, 12:13 AM

In todays Herald they had a writeup about the new VE and at the launch they were raving on about everything except fuel consumption.
When one journo asked about it the Holden guy just turned and said" We do have a range of four cylinder cars too you know"
Then, he asked Holdens MD if they had a full sized spare and he says he didnt even know! :yeees:
Just for the record, they dont, and apparently the tyres they use on the SS cost a bomb!!!

_

SPK-250 · 22-07-2006, 01:42 AM

Just a side note. I heard at work tonight that a few people have already complained about their brand spankers VE having a rattle or clunking coming from somewhere, but service guys are unable to ascertain where it is coming from. Apparently not just one or two either but heaps upon heaps.

stevz · 22-07-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPK-383

Just a side note. I heard at work tonight that a few people have already complained about their brand spankers VE having a rattle or clunking coming from somewhere, but service guys are unable to ascertain where it is coming from. Apparently not just one or two either but heaps upon heaps.

What a load of garbage, there hasn't even been a single VE sold yet, it goes on sale around mid august.

AWD Chaser · 22-07-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPK-383

Just a side note. I heard at work tonight that a few people have already complained about their brand spankers VE having a rattle or clunking coming from somewhere, but service guys are unable to ascertain where it is coming from. Apparently not just one or two either but heaps upon heaps.

bwahahaha - who ever told you that is either the biggest dh or just made you look like one....

Dr Smith · 22-07-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevz

I don't know where go auto get their info from but it has totally contradicted everything I have read so far.

Head of Holden's safety program was directly quoted in the GoAuto article which I read (the larger Goauto mag vs the smaller newsletter), which to date seems the most balanced pre-drive article I've read so far. In fact, it better drive real bloody well becuase I'm getting a general feeeling that the press is more warm then totally hot over the VE.....possibly fobbing off questions that are at the forefront of any potential buyer could put some press noses out of joint.

And of course they need to drive it to be fair to Holden.

edit: found link, page 3-4: http://www.mellor.net/mellor/enews.n...o_enews345.pdf

Iphido · 22-07-2006, 04:38 PM

I bet Ford was suprised and disapointed with only 4 stars for the Territory. It was extremely close to 5 stars.

Territory was extremely impressive in its overall crash test. It lost on minor details. Something like half a point off a 5 star rating.

While Ford and other manufacturers may argue star ratings are not the best way of measuring crash safety, its a stronger argument when your vechical has 5 stars.

I am suprised that VE won't have 5 stars. Thats one of the big arguments for big cars, that they are safer.

I think the general hype over VE is not too bad really. I still think by far the most impressive car will be the WM Statesman, Caprice and HSV Grange. They are serious about fighting off 300C and other potential big luxo cruisers.

I wonder if they will crash test the Statesman seperately. Lots of unique body and parts, curtains standard, etc.

MITCHAY · 22-07-2006, 07:18 PM

Pretty sure the Subaru Forrester and Liberty have a 5 star rating so it has already been achieved, unless were talking Australian built.

outback_ute · 23-07-2006, 09:44 AM

That is disappointing, you would hope for the money they have put into the body it would get 5 stars. Perhaps Holden are just talking it down so expectations are not too high? Mitchay plenty of cars have 5 star ratings including small cars. Also it was mentioned earlier that the curtain airbags do not count because they are not standard - that is untrue because many cars are tested with the optional airbag setup, in addition to the standard variety.

Iphido · 23-07-2006, 11:32 AM

Im pretty sure Hyundia Sonarta has 5 stars..

blackahcdx · 23-07-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

Im pretty sure Hyundia Sonarta has 5 stars..

Hyundai quote America crash test safety rating results, as the Americans have a much lower criteria than the European and Australian testing.

The Stylist · 23-07-2006, 09:11 PM

As mentioned above, I think Holden are taking the underpromise/overdeliver approach to the expected outcome from ANCAP. I'd expect the non curtain airbag equiped models to get a solid four star rating, while the equiped models gain a 5 star rating.

I'm suprised curtain airbags are not standard these day's. I suppose with the VE they are at least an option unlike the Mitsubishi 380 which has no provision for them what so ever.