Recently introduced budget auto, the Chery J1, China’s first passenger car in the Australian market has been rated just three stars out of a possible five by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

RACQ Executive Manager of Vehicle Technologies Steve Spalding said the car lost structural integrity during frontal crash testing, which increased injury risk for the occupants.

“The testing highlighted poor protection from serious chest injuries for the driver in both the frontal offset and side impact crash tests.

NRMA vehicle safety expert Jack Haley said the 3-star rating was disappointing and falls below the NRMA recommended 5-star ANCAP rating for passenger vehicles.

“The Chery J1 performed poorly in protecting occupants,” Mr Haley said.

“The J1 doesn’t have life-saving features such as electronic stability control and head-protecting side airbags – features essential to achieving a 5-star rating.”

5 stars for Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid

ANCAP also announced 5-star ratings for the Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid. Both vehicles were awarded the top ratings after equipment changes were made by Toyota, meeting ANCAP requirements.

Mr Haley said consumers were the winners now that Toyota had improved the safety of this model.

Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid originally earned 4 star ratings from ANCAP.

Mr Spalding said “The Camry and Camry Hybrid achieved 5-star results largely due to production changes such as improved protection for the driver’s knees and the introduction of a passenger seat belt reminder in the vehicle.

“Seat belt reminders are an important safety feature. Around one in five people who die as a result of road crashes in Australia are not wearing seat belts. Under ANCAP's recently released Roadmap, front seat belt reminders will become mandatory for a 5-star rating from 2013,” he said.