Tesla tops in latest safety tests
The Tesla Model X electric SUV has emerged as the star performer from the most recent round of ANCAP safety testing.
The updated Model X achieved excellent safety scores in the latest phase of ANCAP testing, in line with the new Tesla Model 3 which also achieved high scores earlier in the year.
The Model X is one of four vehicles to be recently given 5-star safety ratings by ANCAP, after it achieved a near-perfect Adult Occupant Protection score of 98 per cent (the record-equalling highest score to date) and the very high score of 94 per cent for its Safety Assist features.
Luxury car manufacturer Audi also received 5-star ratings for its new A7 and Q8, with both models achieving excellent scores of 93 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection.
There was also 5-star success at a more mainstream price point with the new MG HS also achieving a 5-star rating. The new SUV model is the first MG to be tested since ANCAP increased its testing requirements in 2018.
AA Motoring Services general manager Stella Stocks says it’s fantastic to see not only high
The new MG HS sport utility has achieved a 5-star rating in the latest round of Australasian NCAP announcements.
priced vehicles achieving top safety ratings.
‘‘While we’ve come to expect the likes of Tesla and Audi will bring out vehicles with high levels of safety, it’s great to also see the MG HS, which starts at $31,999, achieve five stars,’’ she said.
‘‘The HS achieved 92 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection; however a higher risk of injury was detected in side impact crash test scenarios.’’
Also included in the latest phase of testing was the new Hyundai
Venue which achieved a 4-star rating. It was penalised by less advanced safety features, especially in its ability to avoid rear-end impact with vehicles in front. It achieved scores of just 62 per cent respectively for its Safety Assist features, and for Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection.
The new JL generation Jeep Wrangler, which was given a 1-star safety rating earlier in the year, was resubmitted for testing after some upgrades to its specification. This time it achieved 3-stars.
‘‘Jeep are to be commended for being proactive in lifting the level of safety in the Wrangler, with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) functionality available as standard across all models from November 2019,’’ Stocks said.
‘‘The AEB is however unable to detect pedestrians and cyclists, and no changes have been made to the body to address the structural deficiencies. It also doesn’t have any Lane Keeping Systems fitted.’’
The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at ancap.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz
ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.