If you’re after a small, structurally safe car that looks out for more than just the driver then Holden’s latest offering- the Astra - will be one to keep an eye out for.

It’s due to hit the New Zealand market next year with a 5 star ANCAP rating awarded to its RS and RS-V hatch variants. The Astra R hatch variants are unrated.

While it scored well across most of the crash test, the high score for pedestrian protection in the event of a crash is a standout feature. The bumper in particular scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians’ legs and pelvis.

AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says she’s increasing seeing technologies in cars that factor in the safety of all road users and not just those inside a vehicle.

“For a long time the concept of vehicle safety has been extending beyond the inside of a car and is now about creating safer driving environments in the wider sense,” says Ms Stocks.

“This is important and good news for all the different kinds of road users we have now given the growth in transport options,” she says.

The Astra comes equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which helps the driver stay in control of the vehicle in the event of a slide or swerve, and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) which helps to prevent nose to tail crashes.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online on the ANCAP or NZTA websites.

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.