The Mitsubishi Express Van, which was introduced to market last year as a twin to the Renault Trafic, has been tested by ANCAP to determine its performance against the 2020 ANCAP safety protocols. As you may be aware, the Renault Trafic was designed and tested in accordance with the 2015 NCAP ‘heavy vehicles’ protocols, which as a twin, also applies to the Mitsubishi Express Van.
Given this is the case, MMNZ considers ANCAPs decision to test an older model against the latest set of protocols as highly unusual. Under these conditions, the testing has resulted in a zero star rating. When ANCAP rates a vehicle, the final star rating is based on the lowest of the testing categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User, and Safety Assistance Technology. Although the vehicle performed fairly well in the first two categories, the lack of ADAS technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking has led to a low performance. The overall rating is based on the result of this final category at 0 stars.
The standard safety equipment Mitsubishi included in the Express is:
The Express Van features five airbags: driver and passenger front and curtain airbags, in addition to a driver thorax side airbag.
To assist drivers to load and unload safely, each model has a rear view camera.
It also has dusk sensing auto headlights and rain sensing windscreen wipers.
As previously stated, the Express Van performed this way because it was designed in accordance with the 2015 NCAP ’heavy vehicles’protocols. There has been significant movement in the application of driver assistance technologies since that time, which has been reflected in the new ANCAP protocols against which this van has been tested. It is important to understand that the Express Van is safe. The Express meets all Australian Design Rules (ADR) standards for vans, and the results of the crash testing by ANCAP indicates a good level of occupant protection, which is the most important criteria for vehicle safety.
Though ADAS systems are important, the current Express is based on a vehicle that is nearing the end of its product lifecycle. When it was launched, it featured Stability Control and curtain airbags, which made it one of the most technologically advanced vans in the market. Mitsubishi has included all available safety features on our van, but these are limited in number by the age of its technology infrastructure. These modern features cannot realistically be fitted.
Compared to competitor peers of a similar age, the vehicle holds a competitive position in terms of NCAP rating. It holds a 3-star (2015) rating in Europe, however ANCAP did not report NCAP’s rating.
Express is definitely a safe vehicle. This is a result of the continued changes in the protocols employed by organizations like ANCAP. It means a car that gets a five-star rating today would only get a 2-star rating according to the planned 2024 rules. What does not change is the good protection offered to occupants of the vehicle in the event of a crash.
The Express, like the Trafic, is nearing the end of its product cycle and doesn’t have some new safety technology that has come on the market since the original vehicle was launched. The current generation of Renault Trafic was launched in 2014, tested by EuroNcap in 2015 and granted 3 star safety rating. Nevertheless, the Mitsubishi Express is based on Renault Trafic and provides the same level of protection. The 2020 with new ANCAP procedure allocates a lot of importance to availability of ADAS. The Express 0 star rating is mainly due to lack of ADAS technologies.
If you would like to find out more about the Express Van, its model variants and features, visit our Express webpage. If you are interested in adding it to your fleet now, check the latest deals or contact us for a test drive.
No time to come over to our dealership? Book a Demo to Your Door, and we will bring the vehicle to your place - a free and no obligation service we offer to our Auckland customers.
We would love to hear from you, please let us know your new Mitsubishi vehicle requirements and any other relevant details. One of our Sales Team members will contact you shortly.
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
We'd love to give you a trade-in price on your current vehicle
We are happy to work with you on the most suitable solution for your budget
We save you time and travel by bringing the vehicle to you
NZ's best new car warranty and customer care
We can now provide our fantastic services in Chinese, Hindi and Punjabi!
