As we navigate the roads of our beautiful country, we trust that our vehicles are equipped with the latest safety features to protect us and our loved ones.

However, a recent investigation raised serious concerns about the safety standards of some cars.

This investigation left many motorists feeling short-changed and potentially at risk while on the road.

Vehicle safety group Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) revealed that Australian versions of popular Honda models are missing critical safety gear found in foreign markets.

Among the models missing safety gear were petrol versions of the CR-V, Civic, and the smaller ZR-V.

The petrol-powered version of the Honda Civic lacked centre airbags between the driver and passenger, rear-side thorax airbags, speed sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter systems, and seat belt reminders.

The petrol version of the Honda ZR-V is one of the models slammed by ANCAP for lacking safety features. Image Credit: Honda Australia

The omission of these safety features should be concerning, as these features could save lives by preventing injuries during road collisions.

The four-star CR-V SUVs also came with less sophisticated driver assistance systems compared to models available overseas.

Furthermore, the ZR-V models had structural differences that could compromise safety, such as the absence of an additional structural beam inside the rear doors.

The lack of safety features could mean the difference between life and death.

ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg expressed her dismay at these findings.

'The lives and safety of Australian and New Zealand consumers are just as important as those in Europe or any other world region,' she emphasised.

These manufacturing discrepancies sounded the alarm and raised questions about the value placed on drivers' and passengers's safety in the region.

'We are seeing some manufacturers prioritise higher levels of safety only in markets where the regulation requires it, while others are offering different safety specifications based on the expectations of dominant sales markets, production locations, or markets with less mature consumer expectations,' Hoorweg added.

Honda Australia's spokeswoman, Jessica Ware, has defended the brand.

'The Honda vehicles we have in the market today are the safest in Honda's history of manufacturing,' Ms Ware stated.

'Whilst some of the features available in Honda vehicles sold in Europe, sourced from China, are not available in the models for the Australian market—sourced from Japan and Thailand—we are confident that the overall safety packaging within our current Honda vehicles is more than equipped to reduce the impact or mitigate an accident.'

This situation has been a stark reminder that not all vehicles are created equal.

Vehicle safety is important, especially as we cherish every moment with our families and friends.

It's crucial to be informed and vigilant about the safety features of our cars.

Safety should be paramount, and it's time for car manufacturers to prioritise the well-being of all consumers, regardless of the market.

If you own one of the Honda cars mentioned above, reach out to Honda Australia for your concerns and additional information.

Key Takeaways

• The independent vehicle group ANCAP recently found out that specific Honda models in Australia lack crucial safety equipment that is available in models overseas.
• Examples include the absence of a centre airbag, rear-side thorax airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems in Australian versions of the Honda Civic, CR-V, and ZR-V.
• ANCAP's chief executive emphasised the importance of providing Australians with the same levels of safety as consumers in Europe and Asia.
• Honda Australia defended their vehicles' safety yet acknowledged that some features available in European models are not present in the Australian market.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you experienced safety concerns with your vehicle? Share your insights with us and join the conversation below.

 

[ARL]

Profits before safety. Our governments too busy worshipping big business to do anything. Current government asleep at the wheel.

 

[Yvonne Wiggins]

If Honda instructed their Japanese manufacturers to include those extra features, the cars would be a lot, lot more expensive and probably won't sell as well anyway.

 

[ARL]

If Honda instructed their Japanese manufacturers to include those extra features, the cars would be a lot, lot more expensive and probably won't sell as well anyway.

Honda cars are affordable in other countries, and other manufacturers include those safety features in cars sold in Australia

 

[Steveoh]

How ironic, the better features are in cars from China. Must be to do with cost.

 

[Michelle Sc]

Not mentioned: cars for Australia, UK etc. ie any left hand drive vehicle, is always different to those for right hand drive ones for EU in particular, ie for us often " close enough is good enough"