Chinese models stars in crash test
Chinese car safety fortunes are on the up, with two models given four-star crash ratings by independent tester EuroNCAP.
More Motoring:
MY WHEELS: KYMBA CAHILL OF 94.5 BIG COUCH
CARMAKERS SHINE LIGHT ON SAFETY
AUSTRALIA'S BEST CARS
PORSCHE FANS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
FANTASY CARS FIT FOR HOLLYWOOD
One good result was for the MG6 but more significant for WA buyers was the Geely EC7.
It's a Corolla-size car that Geely's distributor for Australia, John Hughes, will introduce next spring, when he will also make the Chinese brand national.
So far Mr Hughes has restricted the badge's reach to WA and one model, the MK, which has a three-star crash rating and sells for $11,990 drive away.
EuroNCAP chief Michiel van Ratingen said the crash results marked a milestone.
"It is a clear sign that Chinese car makers are building on recent experiences and rapidly investing in better vehicle safety," he said.
"Even with the upcoming increased demands (of the testing rules), five stars are expected to be within reach soon."
Geely appears to have plenty of safety upside, given the EC7 was designed before the Chinese brand bought safety legend Volvo.
Mr Hughes said the EC7 would sell for under $20,000 and be "fully loaded", including leather trim, alloys, a sunroof and sat-nav.
The car's 1.8-litre engine delivers 102kW while the auto is an Australian-engineered six-speeder. Safety features include six airbags and ESP.
Due to arrive by next summer is the Geely CE 1.3-litre turbo-petrol, a new-generation replacement for the MK.
Mr Hughes also has the Australian rights for the Chinese ZX Auto range of commercials due mid next year.
Past crash scores for Chinese cars sold in Australia include the Chery J11 SUV (two stars), GWM V240 ute (two), Chery J1 hatch (three) and GWM X240 SUV (four).
