I don't think you'll get any argument here that newer cars, whilst being more powerful, are a lot safer than older cars. Yep, Full Stop.
The problem is that the rules, as always, are made for the lowest common denominator.
So whilst the government would love to say 125kW / tonne means must have 5 star ANCAP, 100kW / tonne = 4 star, or 4 star ancap minimum (for example), that is beyond the reach of a large majority of voters buying their first car. And deciding who to vote for. Not everyone's parents bought / buy them their first car, so this is a large factor. NSW, with their new requirement (possibly proposed) for compulsory driver training, are already trying to figure out how to low income families, many of whom need cars to get to work.
Personally, I don't have a problem with the rules, they are a one size fits all, and a whole lot better than QLD (no TSi's whatsoever).
You can, and this is where it all falls apart of course, go buy a Renault Sport Clio 200 Cup, or a Mazda MX5, as they are NA, less than 200kW, 4 cylinder, and non turbo.
Fodder for trolls...
Al..
Bookmarks