Recreational 4WDs have lower collision repair costs as a percentage of purchase price than small cars but are no match for large Australian made family cars, according to the NRMA.

The results of NRMA’s 10th annual low speed crash test program covering 30 top selling cars, including recreational 4WDs for the first time, were released today.

NMRA Industry Research Manager, Robert McDonald, said that the NRMA program involves an internationally accredited crash test that determines the cost of repair after being subjected to a pendulum crash, equivalent to a vehicle colliding with the rear of another vehicle at 30km/h.

"As the country’s largest motor vehicle insurer the NRMA has a strong interest in keeping the cost of collision repairs affordable for all Australians," Mr McDonald said.

"Car makers should be designing vehicles that not only look good and function properly but also produce financial benefits to consumers in lower repair costs. Without proper consideration at the design stage it is car owners that ultimately pay the price through escalating repair costs and insurance premiums.

"With 4,082 more collision claims lodged this year up until November than for the same period last year the NRMA is continuing to work closely with several manufacturers when they are designing new models to ensure that repair costs are kept to a minimum.

"The average repair cost as a percentage of purchase price in the recreational 4WD catergory is 15%.

"In the 4WD class, the Subaru Outback has the lowest repair cost as a proportion of purchase price, and the third lowest repair total.

"In the Medium category the Subaru Liberty RX clearly leads the category. It has reduced it’s repair costs by an impressive 45% taking it’s repair cost as a percentage of purchase price to 9.1%, the sixth lowest overall.

"Most small cars were more expensive in dollar terms to repair than large cars and recreational 4WDs. Cars that seem to be a bargain at the showroom may not be such a good deal when taking the cost of insurance and repairs into account.

"The Australian made large six cylinder continues to lead the field of repair costs as a percentage of purchase price with the Ford Falcon Forte, Mitsubishi Magna and Holden Commodore all coming in under 10%. The Honda Accord also came in under 10% at 8.8%, a one percent improvement on last year," Mr McDonald said.