The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has awarded the all-new Holden Astra a five-star safety rating, before the car launches in Australia later this month.

The safety advocate’s technicians haven’t actually put the vehicle to the test, because since it’s pretty much identical to the Opel Astra, the rating is based on its European twin’s results conducted by Euro NCAP last year.

Applying to the mid-spec RS and range-topping RS-V models, which feature autonomous emergency braking and lane support systems as standard, the safety rating sees the Astra performing well across the range of tests, and with ‘good’ awarded in the Pedestrian protection, where the front bumper scored maximum points. The entry-level Astra R, on the other hand, which features the same airbags and stability/traction control as the aforementioned versions, but lacks their advanced systems, remains unrated.

The new Astra will enter showrooms with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating providing another new option for consumers in the competitive small car segment“, said James Goodwin, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer. “Real world safety benefits are being achieved by these important safety technologies, and we encourage consumers to choose a model with these technology fitted“, he added.

The 2017 Holden Astra will carry a starting price of AUD $25,312 (USD $19,380) once it will hit dealers Down Under in a few weeks, with its minor styling updates and the same underpinnings as its Opel/Vauxhall twins. Power across the range will be provided by a 149 PS 1.4-liter engine, or a 200 PS 1.6-liter unit.

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