Five-star trio in latest ANCAP tests

ANCAP has awarded a maximum five-star safety rating to the Kia EV6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (sedan) and Volkswagen Multivan PHEV (on sale in New Zealand). All three models were tested against ANCAP’s more stringent 2020-2022 testing requirements.

The recently launched battery-electric EV6 managed good scores across all key elements of the assessment, with all single- and dual-motor variants receiving a five-star rating. ANCAP said the Kia model was awarded full points for the driver – in both the side impact and oblique pole tests – and for child occupants in the frontal offset test.

Marginal performance was, however, recorded for the driver’s chest and lower leg in the frontal offset (MPDB) test.

The EV6 was awarded a 90 per cent score for Adult Occupant Protection, an 88 per cent result for Safety Assist systems, an 87 per cent mark for Child Occupant Protection, but only 64 per cent in the Vulnerable Road User Protection section of the assessment.

“The Kia EV6 is equipped with the range of collision avoidance systems we’ve come to expect in today’s five-star cars, and it performed particularly well for its ability to prevent collisions with cyclists, and oncoming vehicles in avoidance tests simulating intersection turns,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also achieved good overall scores. Full points were awarded for both driver and rear passenger in the full-width frontal test; the Three-pointed Star’s medium sedan is the only vehicle to achieve this full score against the 2020-2022 criteria.

Good levels of performance were recorded in all AEB (autonomous emergency braking) car-to-car test scenarios, including the ability of the ‘Benz to avoid or mitigate a collision when turning across the path of an oncoming vehicles. ANCAP said the C-Class managed only adequate performance in tests of its pedestrian-detecting AEB system.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (sedan) was ultimately awarded a 91 per cent result for Adult Occupant Protection, 90 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 84 per cent for Safety Assist systems, and 80 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection.

“The C-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be tested against ANCAP’s 2020-2022 protocols, and it has not disappointed,” said Ms Hoorweg.

Finally, the Volkswagen Multivan plug-in hybrid variant – introduced in New Zealand this month – is the fourth people-mover assessed under ANCAP’s 2020-2022 protocols.

Dual front- and side-chest protecting airbags and side-head protecting airbags (for the first, second and third seating rows) are fitted to the Multivan PHEV as standard. A centre airbag, which provides added protection to front seat occupants in the event of a side-impact crash, are likewise stock equipment.

“As the first PHEV people-mover to be rated by ANCAP, it is pleasing to see Volkswagen have provided both a safe and environmentally friendly option to their customers,” said Ms Hoorweg.

The Multivan PHEV achieved 90 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection and 79 per cent result for Safety Assist systems, but only 69 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection.

Furthermore, ANCAP awarded an 89 per cent score to the Multivan PHEV in the area of Child Occupant Protection with full points scored for both the 10- and six-year-old child dummies in the frontal offset- and side-impact tests.

However, in the oblique pole test, points were deducted because one of the VW’s side curtain airbags detached from the clips that are meant to secure it to the roof rail. As a consequence, that category score was downgraded from Good to Adequate.

“Today’s results demonstrate that models across a range of market segments, brands and powertrains can continue to achieve the highest levels of safety for Australian and New Zealand consumers,” Ms Hoorweg concluded.