Safety ratings released for Suzuki e VITARA and Audi Q3, three models reassessed

ANCAP SAFETY has released safety ratings for five models, led by assessments of the all-electric Suzuki e VITARA and Audi Q3, alongside updated ratings for the Audi A3, Cupra Leon and Nissan Qashqai.

The Suzuki e VITARA has been awarded a four-star ANCAP safety rating. The battery electric Small SUV demonstrated sound capability in most areas of safety performance. However, the overall rating for the e VITARA was constrained by its Adult Occupant Protection score, with results ranging from GOOD to WEAK noted in the full width test. The Suzuki e VITARA is not fitted with a head-protecting centre airbag to reduce injury to occupants in side impact crashes.

The newly introduced Audi Q3 has achieved a five-star safety rating under ANCAP’s 2023–2025 criteria, delivering well-rounded safety performance.

ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, said the results reflect the level of performance required to achieve the highest safety rating.

“It’s encouraging to see improvements in safety performance across the market, this latest rating achieved by the e VITARA is evidence Suzuki can produce a model that offers sound levels of safety performance,” Ms Hoorweg said.

“These outcomes show that higher levels of safety are within reach, and that continued focus on delivering consistent performance across all areas is key to achieving the highest rating.”

Updated ratings have been issued for the Audi A3, Cupra Leon, and Nissan Qashqai following specification changes and reassessment against eligible criteria.

The Audi A3 and Cupra Leon Small Cars each retain five-star ANCAP safety ratings, with both models continuing to offer a high level of safety performance across all areas of assessment.

The Nissan Qashqai has been reassessed to a four-star rating. Child occupant protection remains a strong suit for the updated Qashqai, however its safety performance in other assessment areas was not able to keep pace with contemporary five-star levels.

Full details on the performance of all models assessed by ANCAP can be viewed here.