Models top of pile for safety
ANCAP has highlighted the ability of manufacturers to achieve five-star safety ratings across a range of vehicle types after six models achieved the highest standard in recent testing.
The BYD Atto 1, Nissan Navara, Volvo EX90, Mini Aceman, MG QS and updated Tesla Model Y were all awarded five stars by officials.
ANCAP notes this latest round of ratings spans electric SUVs, a light commercial vehicle and compact crossovers.
Highlights in those results include the Atto 1 being awarded full points for adult occupant protection in the side impact and pole tests, and child seat installation.
The latest Navara enters the market with a five-star rating with crash performance and crash avoidance scoring based on its corporate twin, the Mitsubishi Triton.
Tesla’s Model Y maintained its rating after achieving a top score of 92 per cent for vehicles tested under 2023-2025 protocols in the safety assist category, which includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) junction and crossing, AEB head-on, driver monitoring, and lane support systems. It also recorded strong adult and child occupant protection scores.
Officials note the Volvo EX90 has strong occupant protection, an active bonnet, and a driver monitoring system with unresponsive-driver intervention, which can take control when it detects the driver is unresponsive and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
The Aceman’s stable structures observed in crash tests came in for praise after good side-impact and oblique pole crash performance, and solid AEB pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle results.
ANCAP says the MG QS also gained a top ranking because of its generally good crash test performance except for a weak chest result for a rear passenger in the full-width frontal test.
Carla Hoorweg, chief executive officer, adds: “These results show that manufacturers are increasingly meeting the requirements of modern safety protocols for a range of vehicles and price points, from the Nissan Navara to large and small electric vehicles.
“Among this interesting mix of vehicles, it is positive to see the diminutive BYD Atto 1 arrive with a five-star rating. We know occupants of smaller cars are at greater risk due to their physical size, so this rating helps reinforce the benchmark for other manufacturers.
“For fleet operators, these results show that five-star safety is achievable across light commercial models and new-generation EVs alike, giving procurement teams clearer options when selecting safer vehicles for their employees”
