Ute among top scorers for safety

Four “highly anticipated” models have collected five-star safety ratings from ANCAP, while the new Mitsubishi ASX scored four stars in a recent round of assessments.

The Toyota Hilux, one of New Zealand and Australia’s top-selling utes, achieved a top rating thanks to its broadened suite of safety features, including a centre airbag and enhanced automatic emergency breaking (AEB) functionality. 

ANCAP says the Hilux, pictured, provided consistently good performance in testing across all four assessment pillars.

The Denza B5, a new entrant to markets down under from BYD’s luxury-focused sub-brand, also achieved a five-star safety rating. 

The plug-in hybrid SUV achieved maximum points in side-impact testing and demonstrated good performance across most crash tests. 

Robust AEB capability was also seen for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists across most tested scenarios.

Another new brand and model to the market, the electric GAC AION V, secured a five-star result after it performed strongly in side-impact and far-side assessments. 

Hyundai’s Palisade earned a top rating from ANCAP for its seven and eight-seat variants. 

The hybrid SUV scored full points for child occupant protection in frontal and side impact crash tests, and full points for adult protection in side impact and oblique pole tests. 

A penalty was applied for a loss of footwell integrity in the frontal offset test. Collision avoidance performance was solid overall, with good results across AEB pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle test scenarios.

ANCAP notes a full eight-point penalty was applied to the Hilux and Denza B5 for the risk posed by their front structure to occupants of oncoming vehicles. 

The Palisade performed well in comparison and took a 2.73-point penalty against the same criteria.

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi ASX scored a four-star safety rating, which ANCAP adds is a departure from the vehicle’s previous score. 

The model showed good performance in side impact and oblique pole tests, and strong child occupant protection.

However, adult occupant protection was constrained by weak chest protection for the driver in the frontal offset crash test and the absence of a centre airbag – the limiting factor in the ASX’s rating.

Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP chief executive officer, says: “It is great to see strong results from both established and emerging brands, including the Denza B5 and fully electric models such as the AION V.

“These results show the importance of assessing new brands and models entering the market, regardless of segment or powertrain. 

“Each star rating communicates a distinct level of protection, and these results give consumers insight into how these models perform and where manufacturers have advanced safety features of the vehicles.”

For more details on vehicles rated by ANCAP, visit www.ancap.com.au.