Six new energy vehicles get five ANCAP stars

SIX new models, all with available hybrid or battery-electric drive, have been awarded top marks in the latest safety ratings by independent Australasian vehicle crash-test authority, ANCAP.

Three of the models represented the first from new manufacturers on the Australian market – Leapmotor, Zeekr and XPeng.

ANCAP said all six received a five-star rating, the maximum available.

The Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30 small SUVs upheld their respective brands safety credentials, ANCAP said, while hybrid variants of the new Hyundai Santa Fe large SUV were awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

ANCAP said that “some concerns were however noted for both model’s performance in destructive crash tests, with penalties applied to both for potential injury from hard structures behind the dashboard in the frontal offset (MBDB) test.

“Like the Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30, the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid demonstrated good results in tests of its collision avoidance capabilities with other road users.

“In the crash tests, full points were awarded for the Santa Fe’s protection of the driver in the full width and side impact tests, and children in the frontal offset and side impact test.

“Petrol variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe are currently unrated.”

ANCAP said that the Leapmotor C10 electric SUV has entered the market with a five-star safety rating, and for child occupant protection “earned maximum points in the frontal offset and side impact tests, with protection for both child dummies rated as ‘good’.”

The recently-introduced Leapmotor C10, Zeekr X and XPeng G6 electric SUVs also earned five-star ANCAP safety ratings.

ANCAP said the Zeekr X was awarded maximum points for the protection of occupants in the side impact crash test, while the front structure of the Zeekr X presented a moderate risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle in the MPDB test (which evaluates vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility).

“Similarly, XPeng’s inaugural G6 model, which launched in Australia and New Zealand recently, also received strong scores for its ability to avoid collisions, with high marks achieved for AEB performance with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist,” ANCAP said.

“High scores were awarded for the XPeng G6’s protection of the driver and passenger occupants in the frontal offset, side, and oblique pole test.

“The XPeng G6 is fitted with a centre airbag to prevent injuries to front seat occupants in a side impact crash, which was assessed as ‘adequate’ for prevention of excursion (movement towards the other side of the vehicle) in the far side impact tests, however minor head contact was noted in the occupant-to-occupant scenario and a penalty was applied.”

ANCAP also tested two other models – the latest MG ZS and new Jeep Avenger – which received a four-star and a three-star rating respectively.

Separately, the European NCAP safety body has awarded a five-star safety rating for the Maxus e-Terron 9 electric ute.

It scored 91 per cent for adult occupant protection; 85 per cent for child protection; 84 per cent for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc); and 83 per cent for its safety assist equipment.

This vehicle will form the basis of the upcoming LDV e-Terron 9 electric ute expected to be in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2025.

ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said there were almost 100 current five-star ANCAP ratings for alternate-powered vehicles.

“Most manufacturers are proving that new models can be both safe and green,” she said.

But not all recent arrivals have met the five-star expectations.

ANCAP said the new MG ZS hybrid received a four-star safety rating, unable to reach five-stars through its performance in the assessment area of Adult Occupant Protection (75 per cent), where a minimum score of 80 per cent applies.

“Crash tests saw mixed results, with the omission of a suitable countermeasure, such as a centre airbag to prevent contact between front seat occupants in a side impact crash, further limiting the score for the ZS,” ANCAP said.

“In the full-width frontal test, the seat belt for the rear passenger allowed excessive forward movement, resulting in ‘marginal’ protection of the head and ‘adequate’ protection for the neck and chest.”

Ms Hoorweg said that the MG ZS’s four-star rating underscored the need for strong and balanced safety performance across all crash protection and prevention areas.

“While the vehicle demonstrated strong performance in certain crash tests, improvements in Adult Occupant Protection – such as incorporating features like a centre airbag and enhancing rear seatbelt performance – would help elevate its safety outcomes to better meet the expectations of today’s market,” she said.

The Jeep Avenger EV small SUV received a three-star safety rating, unable to reach the five-star threshold in any area of assessment.

ANCAP said it had “mixed results seen across the destructive crash tests.”

“The Avenger was limited to three-stars through its performance in the Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist assessment areas, demonstrating Marginal performance in pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist AEB scenarios,” it said.

Ms Hoorweg said that as an all-new model, it was disheartening to see the Jeep Avenger fall short on safety.

“With many electric SUVs entering the market and receiving five-star ANCAP ratings, we know manufacturers can prioritise top-tier safety,” she said.

“We urge Jeep to do so, ensuring buyers don’t have to compromise on safety.”