A number of the latest entrants in the New Zealand market have been awarded full 5 star safety ratings by ANCAP. The current crop is among last vehicles assessed under ANCAP's 2023-2025 criteria, before the new 2026 ratings system kicks in.
The Leapmotor B10, Geely Starray, Zeekr 7X, Kia EV4 and Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe all scored 5 stars, while the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra retained their 5 star status following retesting of recently updated models.
The MG HS's 5 star rating for petrol variants was also extended to cover the new Hybrid+ and Super Hybrid PHEV models that recently launched here.
"As more new models and emerging brands arrive on our roads, independent safety assessment remains critical," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
"ANCAP testing provides consumers with clear, comparable information, and ensures vehicles meet the highest standards for protection, regardless of badge or price point."
According to ANCAP the Leapmotor B10 recorded high overall results across Adult Occupant Protection (93%), Child Occupant Protection (95%), Safety Assist (86%) and Vulnerable Road User Protection (84%), with its Child Occupant Protection score equal to the highest achieved under ANCAP’s 2023-2025 testing criteria.
The Geely Starray EM-i, Geely’s first plug-in hybrid model to be rated by ANCAP, achieved a "well-balanced" result including a strong 86 percent Vulnerable Road User Protection score, while the Zeekr 7X achieved high scores for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection, with maximum points awarded in side impact and oblique pole crash tests.
The Mercedes Benz CLE Coupe achieved a strong five star ANCAP safety rating, with excellent performance in Adult Occupant Protection and the highest Vulnerable Road User Protection score of this group, while the Kia EV4 was the lowest rated of the group, still easily achieving a full 5 star safety rating.
|
MODEL |
ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION |
CHILD OCCUPANT PROTECTION |
VULNERABLE ROAD USER PROTECTION |
SAFETY ASSIST |
|
Geely Starray EM-i |
90% |
87% |
86% |
82% |
|
Kia EV4 |
84% |
86% |
77% |
81% |
|
Leapmotor B10 |
93% |
95% |
84% |
86% |
|
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe |
93% |
86% |
87% |
84% |
|
MG HS |
90% |
87% |
83% |
74% |
|
Subaru Solterra |
88% |
86% |
80% |
82% |
|
Toyota bZ4X |
88% |
86% |
80% |
82% |
|
Zeekr 7X |
91% |
87% |
78% |
78% |