AUSTRALIAN NEW CARS WITH NO DRIVER'S AIRBAG

    Airbags make a big difference in a severe crash. See the results of NCAP crash tests for an idea of how cars with and without airbags compare. An airbag halves the risk of severe head injury (FORS website).

    At a time when virtually every car sold in the USA or Europe has a driver's airbag there are still manufacturers holding out on fitting them as standard equipment in Australia.

    Here are two lists of popular models, the first lists models that have a variant (usually the cheapest) that does not even have a driver's airbag as an option. The second lists models that have a variant where the airbag is an optional extra. These lists are based on specifications published in Which Car magazine, March 2000 (unfortunately Which Car ceased in mid-2000). The lists are for guidance only - always check with the dealer/manufacturer for the current situation.

    If you know of an error or omission please tell me.

    1. Models with a variant that has no driver's airbag available, even as an option

       
      Make Model
      Land Rover Defender
      Mitsubishi Starwagon
      Nissan Terrano
      Proton Satria
      Persona
      Seat Cordoba
      Suzuki Swift
      Baleno
      Jimny
      Grand Vitara
      Toyota Landcruiser (farmer's model?)

      Lada and Seat had models in this list but are no longer included in Which Car.

    2. Models with a variant that does not have a driver's airbag as standard equipment but one is available as an option

    Experience shows that new car purchasers are unlikely to pay the extra for an airtbag.
     
    Make Model
    Daewoo Lanos
    Ford Festiva
    Mitsubishi Lancer
    Mirage
    Toyota Prado


    Road Safety Index of this site
    Master list of offset crash tests

    Last update March 2001. List maintained by Vehicle Design and Research Pty Limited

    email: mpaine@tpgi.com.au