Ford's execs are all smiles, following the announcement of the Falcon's star turn in ANCAP. That's actually a five-star turn, the first such crash-safety performance from a car designed and built in Australia (more here).

Ford is now anticipating an equally good result for the FG Ute range -- once those variants are tested by ANCAP -- and with the E-Gas sedans scoring DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) in the first half of next year, the alternative-fuel models will be eligible for a five-star ANCAP rating as well.

The earlier (BA II) model of Ford Ute scored a four-star result when tested by ANCAP with a score of 25.92 points -- not actually too far behind archrival Holden, which, with the newer VE Omega Ute scored 27.41 points. That's also for a four-star rating.

Ford believes though, that the Falcon Ute will definitely improve on the BA/BF score -- and also the Holden's rating -- but even the FG sedan's score is not safe against the new light commercial range.

Asked what it would take for the Falcon light commercial vehicle to score a five-star rating, Chief Engineer for Falcon, David Wilkinson said: "Structurally, nothing".

"Really, it requires DSC, which is a requirement for five-star...

"When DSC is available [from September], it will be capable of getting five stars. Structurally there are no issues at all.

"Even the side barrier engages the strong part of the car. It's a smaller cabin and in some ways, it's stiffer than a larger cabin, because you've got the back panel going across the car."

As yet, ANCAP hasn't scheduled a crash test for the Ford Ute, but when that occurs, ironically perhaps, the safest passenger-carrying vehicle built in Australia may end up being actually a goods-carrying vehicle.

To comment on this article click here