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mitch96
By mitch96 | Community user | 56 Posts | 20 June 2015 at 3:32pm

Hi
I own a 1999 Mazda Familia BJ (so the 1999-2004 model). It has dual airbags, abs brakes and a much stiffer chassis than the previous model.
On right car, carjam and all websites my number plate (DRS331) is allocated to the previous model (1995-1998) models which had no or 1 airbag and were much less safe with a 1 star ratings.
The 323 and ford laser of the same year as my car all have a 3 star car rating..which mine should be as it is the exact same car, and a passenger airbag was an oppitional extra here in nz new models so surely Familias like mine (the BJ model) deserve the same 3 star rating.

How do I fight to have this changed, as with new rego costs and for resale of the car it is only deserving that mine shows the correctly allocated safety rating

Many thanks
Mitchell

Anon
By Cade | AA Expert | 3937 Posts | 22 June 2015 at 10:23am

Hi there.
The classification of safety for your vehicle is obtained from real world crash data examples
which seems to be why it is in this bracket.
Right car, Nzta would have to change this classification or may be able to explain why it is in this certain bracket. 0800 699 000.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/about/contact/index.html
A 99 Mazda Familia is in the L3 bracket for ACC Levies so this is the right one for your car.
Saving 48% $95 a year.