There’s no denying the popularity of the Ford Mustang in New Zealand. Pre-launch hype generated a significant buzz with those keen to buy an all-American right-hand drive muscle car.

Launched in late 2015, last year saw nearly 1000 Ford Mustangs sold in New Zealand and more than 6000 in Australia – the highest selling vehicle that had yet to be rated by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) – until now.

Following the conclusion of testing late last year, the Ford Mustang V8 Fastback has achieved a 2 star ANCAP safety rating – well below the 5 star maximum. Other Mustang variants remain unrated.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says the Mustang range has a lot of appeal to the market, which she relates to.

“The Mustang Fastback’s 2 star safety rating is extremely disappointing. It’s not what we’d expect from Ford or any major vehicle manufacturer today, especially when ANCAP testing protocols are well known by all car makers,” Ms Stocks says.

The Mustang Fastback performed poorly across three of the four areas of assessment. Both adult and child occupant assessments didn’t reach the 5 star mark, but the poorest area was the lack of safety assist technology, which ultimately assured the 2 star safety rating.

Ms Stocks says it’s important to note the Mustang sold in Australasian markets and Europe is a different specification from the vehicles available in the United States. The US models include forward collision warning for example, which is not available in New Zealand.

“Ford recently unveiled its newest models in the United States which appear to have more safety assist and crash prevention technology on board but they’re not expected in New Zealand until the end of the next year. Also, we won’t know what will be included on the New Zealand models yet.”

Ms Stocks says vehicle manufacturers should ensure New Zealanders have access to the highest specification models made available elsewhere in the world.

“While Ford has done a good job at capturing the imagination of enthusiasts around the world with the latest Mustang, it’s missed the mark on safety.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of what to expect in the safest cars.

“However, it’s positive that Ford has tested the market with a new sports car that has clearly hit the desirability mark. I’d like to see the next version, with more safety assist and crash prevention technologies, hit our shores sooner rather than later.”

ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz.