ANCAP: Eight safety ratings announced

ANCAP has published its latest round of new vehicle safety ratings, which includes maximum five-star scores for at least five new models and some for a handful of updated models; all tested against ANCAP’s previous 2023-2025 criteria, ahead of stricter 2026-2028 protocols now in effect.

Producing some of the most impressive scores of the group was the Chinese-built Leapmotor B10 compact SUV, which also happens to be one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Australia.

The B10 secured a 95 per cent score for child occupant protection – equal to the highest achieved under ANCAP’s 2023-2025 testing criteria – while a 93 per cent score for adult occupant protection also impressed.

The Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Zeekr 7X electric SUV each scored well in most areas, while recently launched Kia EV4 electric sedan’s results weren’t as strong, but still good enough to achieve the safety firm’s highest score.

High scores for adult passenger and vulnerable road user protection saw the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Coupe nab a five-star rating.

Meanwhile, an existing five-star rating for the MG HS petrol has been extended to hybrid and PHEV variants, “supported by additional testing, confirming comparable safety performance and high-voltage system integrity” according to ANCAP.

The updated Toyota bZ4X and related Subaru Solterra were also awarded five-stars, which ANCAP says comes as a result of specification updates made by each manufacturer.

ANCAP’s stricter 2026 protocols will focus on four key pillars with increased on-road testing designed to target “irritating, complicated” safety systems, while newer tech such as power-operated doors and how they operate post-crash will be targeted, among other things.

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