A trio of five-star cars in the latest ANCAP round

NZ Autocar

23-05-2025

The revised Tesla Model 3 has amassed a five-star ANCAP rating. That covers all models built from September 2023.
The electric sedan demonstrated strong crash test performance results, scoring 90% for Adult Occupant Protection. It attained full marks for the side impact and oblique pole tests. In the frontal offset test, it achieved good results for most body regions for the front seat occupants. However, it rates as adequate for a few.
Since September 2023 Tesla Model 3s have had a centre airbag fitted between the front seats. They also come with an active bonnet system.
The centre airbag earned full points in far side impact testing, demonstrating effective occupant-to-occupant protection. And the active bonnet system performed just as intended.
A Child Occupant Protection score of 95 per cent is the highest result recorded to date against the current test criteria. In both the frontal offset and side impact tests, the Tesla Model 3 scored maximum points. A child presence detection system is standard on all variants and contributed to the record score.
Strong performance in crash avoidance and driver assistance system testing contributed to the Tesla Model 3's Vulnerable Road User Protection score of 89 per cent. That's another record high, while the Safety Assist score was 88 per cent.
'The upgraded Tesla Model 3 has delivered standout results for child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a reassuring choice for families,' said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
The all-electric Kia EV3 also managed a five-star ANCAP safety rating, like Kia's other EV stablemates.
Adult occupant protection was rated at 83 per cent. Adequate to good protection was recorded for all critical body regions of front seat occupants. Top points were awarded for full width frontal and side impact testing.
An 86 per cent score for Child Occupant Protection reveals good protection for almost all critical areas. A maximum score was recorded for side impact testing.
In the Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist pillars, the EV3 achieved 78 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively. Its AEB system functioned well.
'Following in the footsteps of the larger EV9 and EV5 models, the Kia EV3 has demonstrated the brand's continued prioritisation of safety for its Australian and New Zealand customers,' said Ms Hoorweg.
All variants of the new MG S5 EV which is due here midyear achieved a five-star rating.
Adult Occupant Protection saw a score of 90 per cent, with adequate or good protection in frontal offset testing, oblique pole testing and full width frontal crash testing. MG S5 EV achieved maximum points in side impact test.
For Child Occupant Protection a crash test score of 86 per cent was achieved. Good protection was noted in frontal and side impact crash scenarios.
The MG recorded a score of 82 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection. Results of AEB test scenarios were good for all except motorcyclists and in reversing situations (both marginal).
For Safety Assist, the MG S5 EV achieved a score of 79 per cent.
After a few disappointing crash test results for MG, 'the addition of this new five-star model is encouraging' said Ms Hoorweg.