Six high performers rated for Australian market

ANCAP has released safety results for six models: the BYD ATTO 1, Nissan Navara, Volvo EX90, Mini Aceman, MG QS, and the updated Tesla Model Y. This latest round of ratings spans electric SUVs, a light commercial vehicle, and compact crossovers, with all models achieving five-star safety ratings.

These results reflect the ongoing ability of manufacturers to achieve five-star ratings across a mix of vehicle types.

The BYD ATTO 1, despite its small size, has been awarded full points for Adult Occupant Protection in the side impact and pole tests, and child seat installation. The latest Nissan Navara enters the market with a five-star rating with crash performance and crash avoidance scoring based off its corporate twin, the Mitsubishi Triton. The Tesla Model Y maintains its five-star rating for facelifted vehicles on sale from May 2025, achieving the top score for vehicles tested under 2023-2025 protocols for Safety Assist (92%) including AEB Junction & Crossing, AEB Head-On, driver monitoring, and lane support systems, alongside strong adult and child occupant protection scores.

The Volvo EX90 also secures a five-star result, with strong occupant protection, an active bonnet, and a driver monitoring system with unresponsive-driver intervention, which can take control when it detects the driver is unresponsive and bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The Mini Aceman achieves a five-star rating, with stable structures observed in crash tests, Good side-impact and oblique pole crash performance, and solid AEB pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle results, supported by an active bonnet and effective lane support systems. The MG QS also attains a five-star rating, with generally good crash test performance except for a Weak chest result for a rear passenger in the full-width frontal test.

“These results show that manufacturers are increasingly meeting the requirements of modern safety protocols for a range of vehicles and price points, from the Nissan Navara to large and small electric vehicles,” ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg said.

“Among this interesting mix of vehicles, it is positive to see the diminutive BYD ATTO 1 arrive with a five-star rating. We know occupants of smaller cars are at greater risk due to their physical size, so this rating helps reinforce the benchmark for other manufacturers.

“For fleet operators, these results show that five-star safety is achievable across light commercial models and new-generation EVs alike, giving procurement teams clearer options when selecting safer vehicles for their employees.”