EVs score well in ANCAP results

The electric LDV Mifa 9 people mover got a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating, while the Fiat 500e sold in New Zealand got four stars.

The Mifa 9 scored maximum points for protection of the driver and small female rear passenger in the full-width frontal test and is the only model, aside from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, to have achieved a maximum score in this test to current criteria, says ANCAP.

A positive result was also recorded for the Mifa 9’s vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility, with only a minimal penalty applied given its favourable front-end design, which reduces potential injury to occupants of other vehicles.

The Child Occupant Protection score for the Mifa 9 was also high (88%), however consumers (especially in Australia) are advised that child restraints for younger children should not be fitted to the third row centre or right-hand-side seating positions as there are no top-tether anchorages fitted to these seating positions. 

A 90% score was achieved for its collision avoidance capability in the Safety Assist assessment area.

Petrol variants of the BMW X1 achieved five stars, but its electric variant – the iX1 – remains unrated. 

While the X1’s ability to avoid or mitigate a crash with pedestrians and cyclists through its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system when travelling forwards was rated as Good, this AEB system does not react to pedestrians in reverse, ANCAP noted.  

A four-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all Fiat 500e vehicles sold in New Zealand. 

The 500e scored 78% for Adult Occupant Protection, 79% for Child Occupant Protection and 67% for Safety Assist, with respective minimum scores of 80%, 80% and 70% required to meet five stars.  Marginal performance was noted for protection of the driver’s chest in the frontal offset test and the driver and rear passenger’s chest in the full-width frontal test, ANCAP explains. 

“With no centre airbag fitted, excursion (movement across the vehicle cabin) was high in the far-side oblique pole test, with a significant risk of the head contacting the intruding door.”

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says an interesting mix of models, powertrains and performance are being seen.

“This is a reminder to consumers to examine the safety credentials of the car you’re looking to buy, to ensure it offers the highest level of safety. 

“The ANCAP website provides all of this information and more, including the ability to search and filter results based on powertrain – for those who’re seeking a safe and green choice.”