Holden’s Malibu was awarded a maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating ahead of its showroom debut in June.
Holden Malibu’s standard safety features include six airbags, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, electronic brake distribution and traction control.
Ensuring safer transport for children, Malibu also includes the ISOFIX child seat anchorage system, an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment.
Manager for Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, Steve Curtis said a five star safety rating was an important feature for new car buyers.
“Holden Malibu was designed to achieve the highest level of real-world safety and a five star rating offers important peace of mind for drivers and their passengers.
“As a global vehicle, Malibu has achieved maximum safety ratings in several overseas markets including the US, Europe and South Korea.”
In the event of a crash, Malibu provides a strong structure that comprises high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, full-length frame rails, a reinforced safety cage and impact-absorbing crush zones.
This structure is designed to absorb the energy created in a crash and help preserve the structural integrity of the occupant compartment.
Further, to meet global standards for protecting pedestrians against head injuries in the event of a crash, Holden Malibu uses energy-absorbing materials in the bonnet.
Other energy-absorbing techniques for protecting pedestrians in the event of a collision include the strategic use of air space between the hood and hard objects underneath – such as the battery and engine – that could injure pedestrians.
The new Holden Malibu became available in New Zealand showrooms in late June.