Mazda CX-5 leads latest ANCAP five-star sweep

FOUR new SUVs have earned five-star ANCAP safety ratings in the latest round of assessments, with the new-generation Mazda CX-5 setting a benchmark for vulnerable road user protection while the MG S6 EV, BMW X3, and updated Cupra Formentor also secured top ratings.

All four were assessed against ANCAP’s 2023-25 testing criteria, the final ratings to be awarded under the outgoing protocols before the introduction of the more stringent 2026-28 assessment regime.

Of note was Mazda’s new CX-5 which achieved a record 93 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User Protection, the highest result recorded under the 2023-25 protocols.

ANCAP credited the family SUV’s sophisticated collision avoidance systems and carefully engineered front-end design for reducing the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

The CX-5 also scored 90 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 91 per cent for Child Occupant Protection and 87 per cent for Safety Assist.

“The CX-5 has long been a popular model for families, and buyers of this latest model can be assured that Mazda has considered the safety and protection of occupants and those outside the car,” said ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg.

The fully electric MG S6 EV scored a class-leading 92 per cent Adult Occupant Protection score aided by strong crash compatibility performance designed to reduce injuries to occupants of other vehicles in a collision.

ANCAP awarded full points for driver protection in both full-width frontal and side impact crash tests, while child occupant protection and active safety systems also performed strongly.

“These results demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver a model with very good all-round protection,” added Ms Hoorweg.

BMW’s latest X3 received a five-star rating across petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants after delivering high scores in both crash protection and active safety testing.

The small segment premium SUV achieved maximum scores for its lane-keeping assistance system and demonstrated strong autonomous emergency braking performance across head-on, rear-end and turning scenarios, together with impressive motorcycle detection capability.

Crash testing found generally good occupant protection, although ANCAP noted marginal chest protection for the driver and rear passenger in certain frontal impact tests.

“The five-star safety rating for the BMW X3 reinforces that achieving the highest level of safety requires a balance of effective collision avoidance and crash protection features,” said Ms Hoorweg.

The updated Cupra Formentor also secured a fresh five-star rating however the rating excludes the flagship VZ5 and variants equipped with the optional Extreme Package, as their Sabelt sports seats prevent fitment of the centre airbag required for the tested configuration.

“Whether buyers are prioritising an EV or a premium SUV, these latest results confirm there is broad choice for safe picks regardless of brand or price point,” continued Ms Hoorweg.

The latest assessments underline the growing importance of advanced driver assistance technologies alongside traditional crash protection, with all four SUVs demonstrating strong performance across ANCAP’s increasingly demanding active safety evaluations.

These vehicles were assessed under ANCAP’s outgoing protocols with future ratings expected to become even more challenging as ANCAP transitions to its 2026-28 testing regime.