New Zealand car buyers have more choice than ever when it comes to vehicles offering the highest level of occupant protection.

Crash test results released today by the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) show eight more models have scored five out of five stars in independent safety tests.

New models of the Subaru Legacy and Outback scored five star results in tests performed in Japan under the supervision of ANCAP - the Australian New Car Assessment Program. The LTSA is an active member of ANCAP.

The Legacy and Outback also scored three out of four stars in pedestrian impact tests - the first time a vehicle scoring five stars in occupant protection ratings has recorded a three star pedestrian impact rating.

ANCAP has also reviewed and released the results of recent tests carried out by EuroNCAP, the European equivalent of ANCAP. In European tests five star occupant protection ratings were recorded by the Volvo XC90, the Saab 9-3 and 9-5, the Mercedes Benz C and E class models and the BMW X5.

Two tests are performed on each model to rate occupant protection; an offset frontal test where the car is driven into a crushable barrier at 64km/h, and a side impact test which involves running a 950kg trolley into the driver’s side of the vehicle at 50km/h. An optional pole impact test is also available for vehicles fitted with head-protecting side airbags.

Research shows a strong correlation between the tests and injuries suffered by vehicle occupants in serious on-road crashes.