Five-star safety for new BMW X1 and LDV MIFA 9
But Kiwi-spec Fiat 500e only gets four stars as Aussie launch loomsANCAP has awarded the new BMW X1 small SUV and all-new LDV MIFA 9 electric people-mover with five-star safety ratings as the independent safety body prepares to rollout it new 2023 protocols.
The smallest BMW SUV scored well across all four key testing areas, netting 86 per cent for its adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for its vulnerable road user protection and 94 per cent for the effectiveness of its safety assist systems.
That said, a ‘weak’ performance was noted for its protection of the driver’s chest in the frontal offset test, while the full-width crash test yielded a ‘marginal’ result for the rear passenger chest protection.
Testers also noted the rear emergency autonomous braking system doesn’t react to pedestrians, but these were the only major blunders in an otherwise promising scorecard.
Note that the reported rating only applies to the petrol version of the X1, not the electric BMW iX1 which will be tested separately.
LDV’s recently launched MIFA 9 is something of a unicorn Down Under in that it’s the only battery-electric people-mover priced from under $110,000.
The MIFA 9’s five-star safety rating follows an impressive 93 per cent mark for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 73 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 90 per cent for its safety assists.
It became just the second vehicle ever to garner maximum points for protection of the driver and small female rear passenger in the full-width frontal test, with the only other model to do so being latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
“As we near the end of the year and our current protocol period, we’re seeing an interesting mix of models, powertrains and performance,” ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg said.
“This is a reminder to consumers to examine the safety credentials of the car you’re looking to buy, to ensure it offers the highest level of safety.
“The ANCAP website provides all of this information and more, including the ability to search and filter results based on powertrain – for those who’re seeking a safe and green choice.”
Across the pond in New Zealand, meanwhile, the Fiat 500e – due to launch in Australia next year – was only awarded a four-star safety rating on account of lacklustre results across three of the four major test areas.
The electric city-car scored 78 per cent for adult occupant protection, 79 per cent for child occupant protection, 67 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 67 per cent for its safety assists.
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