Superb safety: Five-star ratings for Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, and hybrid Kia Carnival

As SUVs and utes continue to top passenger vehicle sales charts, two Large Cars – the Skoda Superb and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – and a hybrid People Mover – the Kia Carnival – have confirmed their safety status.

SKODA SUPERB

Recently arriving on Australian and New Zealand shores, the Skoda Superb carries notable safety performance across the board. All wagon and sedan variants have been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing of its ‘twin’ – the VW Passat.

Unblemished scores were awarded for protection of key body regions in the frontal offset head-on crash test, the side impact test, and the oblique pole test. These full-mark scores contributed to a close-to-record high Adult Occupant Protection score of 93%.

Performance testing of the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system fitted to the Skoda Superb showed high levels of performance, mitigating or preventing crashes with another vehicle, cyclist, motorcyclist and pedestrian in the majority of test scenarios.

“The Skoda Superb delivers a robust safety package, reflecting a carefully considered approach to each aspect of its design and equipment,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

“The Superb provides a confident choice for families or fleets seeking a sedan or wagon that prioritises safety.”

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

Having launched in Australia and New Zealand in January 2024, the premium Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan (E200 and E300) offers expected high levels of protection to occupants.

Standout areas of performance for the E-Class included driver protection in the T-bone side impact crash test and the oblique pole test. Full points were also scored for the driver in the full-width frontal test.

“As expected, the E-Class carries through its safety pedigree, offering five-star safety in a premium package,” said Ms Hoorweg.

Collision-avoidance-wise, the E-Class is equipped with robust-performing systems that can detect a range of road users. While good overall scores were seen for its ability to prevent a crash with a pedestrian through auto-braking, the protection offered to the pelvis of a pedestrian, if struck, was notably low – scoring 0.74 out of a potential 4.50 points.

KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID

A five-star ANCAP safety rating has long been held by the segment-dominating Kia Carnival in diesel and petrol guise following ANCAP testing in 2021. With the more recent addition of hybrid variants to the market, additional testing on the battery-assisted sibling is now complete. Test results of the hybrid confirm comparable safety performance to 2021 test criteriaⁱ.

Differences in the powertrain and mass of the hybrid required fresh frontal offset and oblique pole crash tests to be undertaken. These additional tests are needed to substantiate ‘worst-case’ crash performance and examine whether any electrical safety concerns arise as a result of crash impact.

The Kia Carnival HEV shares the same passive and active safety features as its internal combustion counterparts.

A five-star ANCAP safety rating now applies to all diesel, petrol, and 1.6 litre petrol hybrid variants of the Kia Carnival.

“This five-star ANCAP safety rating for the Kia Carnival HEV is a positive result for consumers and fleet buyers looking to balance safety and environmental criteria.”

Full details can be viewed at www.ancap.com.au.

ⁱ ANCAP test and rating criteria is adjusted every three years. The Kia Carnival has been tested and rated against 2020-2022 criteria.