Holden Cruze Safest Car Under $25,000

Each year the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) evaluates new cars sold in Australia and New Zealand and awards a star rating based on their occupant safety levels in a simulated front and side crash.

The program is supported by Australian and New Zealand automobile clubs, the States government road and transport authorities of NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, the New Zealand Government, the Victorian TAC, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation

According to a report released by the NSW Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, and the RTA, the all-new Holden Cruze is the safest car under $25,000.

Launched in June 2009, the all-new Holden Cruze received the maximum five-star ANCAP rating, scoring 35.04 points out of a possible 37 in the ANCAP testing - the highest of any vehicle in that price category.

Following are the safety features to look for when buying a new car.

• Electronic Stability Control which compares the driver's intended path with the vehicle's actual path and applies brakes to selected wheels if the two don't match
• Electronic/emergency brake assist systems which applies the maximum amount of pressure on the brake if the driver brakes suddenly
• Active head restraints to help prevent whiplash-type injury
• Dual front airbags
• Side or side curtain airbags
• Seatbelt pre-tensioners

For more information about ANCAP click here.