ANCAP crash test results

Ford Falcon AU II | Mid 2000 on

Overall evaluation:

The FORD FALCON AU II performed reasonably well in the offset crash test (score 11.07 out of 16). The passenger compartment held its shape well except for brake pedal movement and intrusion of the road wheel into the driver's footwell. Injury measurements indicated a low risk of injury to all body regions but there was a risk of foot and lower leg injury due to excessive brake pedal movement.

The vehicle performed well in the side impact crash (score 13.13 out of 16).

The Falcon was just 0.3 points short of earning a four star rating.

Safety features

Dual front airbags are standard equipment.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a severe crash. The centre rear seat has a 3-point seat belt.

Ford Austrailia has issued a consumer booklet "Caring 4 Kidz" that gives advice about selecting and fitting child restraints. Recommended child restraints are available from Ford dealors and fitting advice is provided.

Structure: Marginal

Offset crash test
The passenger compartment held its shape very well in the offset crash test, except for the footwell which ruptured and, in places, was pushed rearwards 32cm. Despite this deformation the injury measurements on the dummy's lower legs were quite low. This may have been due to a tray-like insert under the carpet that is designed to isolate the feet from shock loads and deforming panels. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 28cm, ending up within 10cm of the seat. The dash moved 9cm towards the driver. The width of the driver's doorway shortened by 5cm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.

Side impact crash test
The centre pillar and the side doors were pushed inwards moderately. After the crash Ford engineers pointed out that the centre pillar was designed to deform in a manner that minimized intrusion at chest level.

Restraints: Marginal

Offset crash test

Airbags cushioned the driver and passenger. Contact was stable for both. The driver's seat tilted forwards substantially. The ignition barrel was within the knee impact zone but was reasonably protected by the design of the steering column lower shroud.

Side impact crash test (no front passenger)
The back of driver's head glanced the centre pillar then rebounded.

Head restraint position rating: Marginal

Pedestrian rating:

12.08 points out of 36 (33.6%).

Child head impacts 4.15 points; adult head impacts 7.30 points; upper leg impacts zero points; lower leg impacts 0.63 points.