BYD among safest cars globally

The BYD Seal electric sedan was one of the safest new cars on sale globally in 2023, with the Tesla Model Y leading individual safety ratings but on older testing criteria.

So says a Compare the Market Australia study involving the car insurance experts reviewing 32 vehicle models and six countries across six data points, including overall ratings from three safety authorities under the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) and whether three key safety assistance systems are standard in each market.

The BYD Dolphin electric hatchback and Kia Sportage medium SUV were also among the safest, while the popular Tesla Model Y led in terms of individual safety scores but didn’t top the study due to being tested on slightly older criteria, Compare the Market Australia reveals.

A vehicle’s safety credentials is one factor that can impact car insurance premiums, says Compare the Market general insurance executive general manager Adrian Taylor.

“Generally safer cars can have lower premiums,” he says.

“But it’s important to consider that there are other factors that impact price, such as the vehicle model, listed driver/s age and driving history, and how far owners drive annually.

“The BYD Seal and Dolphin demonstrated high safety scores against the strictest 2023 testing criteria from Australasian and European safety authorities, in addition to universally standard safety assistance systems globally,” says Taylor.

“From our study sample, newly released vehicles were generally seen as safer due to being tested against the latest, strictest testing criteria and achieving full stars from the new car safety authorities.”

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