VW EVs in NZ with top safety rating

Volkswagen’s first electric ID models arrive in New Zealand with an Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) five-star safety rating.

The ratings are for the new Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 SUV models available for purchase in New Zealand and apply to the Volkswagen ID.4 PRO, Volkswagen ID.4 PRO+, Volkswagen ID.5 PRO and the Volkswagen ID.5 PRO+.

“New Zealand has been working hard to increase the availability of alternative-powered new vehicles into its fleet, and these two new five-star ratings will assist with shift towards newer, safer and greener model choices,” says ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg.

The ID.4 and ID.5 were assessed against ANCAP’s 2020-2022 rating criteria, and as ‘partner’ models, both demonstrated strong performance in “Adult Occupant Protection” with a score of 93%. High scores were achieved for protection in frontal and side impact crash tests, as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.

However, excursion (sideways movement) of the front seat occupant in the vehicle-to-pole far side impact test was relatively high, resulting in a reduced score for that scenario, says ANCAP.

“Child Occupant Protection” (COP) scored well with full marks achieved in the frontal offset and side impact crash tests which contributed to an overall COP score of 89%.

Importantly, both the ID.4 and ID.5 supplied in New Zealand are not fitted with child restraint anchorages in the centre rear seating position and these seating positions should not be used to transport younger children, says ANCAP.

An “Adequate” level of performance was recorded for the ID.4 and ID.5’s ability to automatically detect and respond to pedestrians and cyclists, while an “Adequate” level of performance was recorded for active emergency lane-keeping (ELK) functionality.

A “Good” score was recorded for active lane keep assist (LKA).

In contrast to ID.4 and ID.5 models supplied to the European market, New Zealand models are not equipped with a speed limit information function (SLIF). SLIF systems use in-built cameras and/or map data to establish the local speed limit and advise the driver so that the speed of the vehicle can be adjusted to suit the sign-posted speed.

Omission of a SLIF resulted in a reduced “Safety Assist” score of 76% for New Zealand models, compared with the “Safety Assist” score of 85% applicable to European models.

“It is good to see Volkswagen’s new ID models arrive in New Zealand with five-star ANCAP safety ratings,” says Hoorweg.

“We’d encourage Volkswagen to consider including speed limit information functionality in future upgrades, to ensure all buyers are provided with the same level of safety specification as offered in the European market.”

Dealers like Ebbett Volkswagen are offering test drives while further specifications and pricing are also available from Volkswagen New Zealand while EVs and Beyond featured pricing in September last year. Click here for safety performance details applicable to VW models sold in New Zealand.