Ocean of five-star utes expands with BYD Shark 6

BYD’s latest model, the Shark 6, is the first plug-in hybrid electric ute (PHEV) to undergo ANCAP testing.  

It has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It scored 85% for Adult Occupant Protection, 87% for Child Occupant Protection, 74% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 86% for Safety Assist.

“With five of BYD’s current local models having now earned top ANCAP safety ratings, it’s evident that new manufacturers are prioritising safety as they enter the market to align with consumer demands,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says. 

“Following the recently rated GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid ute, we expect an increase in electrified options in the utility space. And so far, they’re meeting the mark.”

The Shark 6 has extensive standard safety features, including dual frontal airbags, side chest and side head-protecting airbags, and a centre airbag to protect front-seat occupants in side-impact crashes. 

The dual-cab ute achieved an 85% score for Adult Occupant Protection. In the frontal offset (MPDB) test, the passenger cabin remained stable, with all key body regions recording a Good protection rating, except for the driver’s Adequate chest. 

In the full-width frontal test, protection for the driver’s neck and chest was adequate, while rear passenger chest protection was adequate for marginal and neck protection. Other critical body regions for both the driver and rear passenger were Good.

However, the Shark 6 poses a higher risk to oncoming vehicle occupants due to its size, weight, and front-end design. As a result, the full 8.00-point penalty is applied in the MPDB test (which assesses vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility).

The 87% score for Child Occupant Protection was driven by the Shark 6’s performance in the frontal offset and side impact tests, where protection for both the 10-year-old and 6-year-old dummies was Good, and the vehicle earned maximum points. The Shark 6 is fitted with a Child Presence Detection (CPD) system for all three rear seating positions, with the vehicle able to automatically intervene by activating the air-conditioning to cool down the cabin if an unattended child is detected. The alert sensitivity of this CPD system however does not meet ANCAP’s functional requirements and the Shark 6 scored zero points for this area of assessment.

Assessed within the Vulnerable Road User Protection pillar, the Shark 6 features an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system designed to detect and respond to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The system demonstrated Good performance in AEB Pedestrian scenarios, though it showed Marginal performance in reverse (AEB Backover) tests. 

In AEB Cyclist scenarios, the system successfully avoided or mitigated collisions at all test speeds, including when performing turning manoeuvres. Additionally, the vehicle provides alerts when a bicycle approaches from behind to prevent cyclists from ‘dooring’.

“For fleets looking to electrify their light commercial ute range, the Shark 6 presents a new five-star plug-in hybrid option,” Hoorweg says.