ANCAP Safety Ratings: Five Stars For IM 5 And IM 6
ANCAP has unveiled safety results for three newcomers to the Australasian market, and the headlines are simple: two five-star winners and one three-star disappointment. The IM 6 and IM 5 both scored top marks, while the Renault Duster landed with a modest three-star rating.
IM 6: Electric SUV That Punches Above Its Weight
The IM 6, MG’s push into the premium electric medium SUV market, earned a five-star ANCAP rating and posted one of the highest frontal offset (MPDB) scores under current ANCAP rules, recording 7.54 out of 8.00. That is not small potatoes. The score reflects strong occupant protection in the frontal test and lower compatibility risk, meaning it is less likely to cause excessive harm to an oncoming vehicle in a collision. In short, the shell holds up and the safety systems behave themselves.
IM 5: Four-Door Electric Muscle With Family-Friendly Results
The IM 5, a large battery-electric sedan, also achieved five stars across all variants. It combined robust structural integrity with effective restraint systems, keeping the passenger cell stable in both frontal and side impacts. Adult occupant protection was strong and child safety particularly notable, with a 91 percent Child Occupant Protection score. Its collision avoidance tech matched its SUV sibling, responding reliably to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in straight-line and turning AEB scenarios.
Renault Duster: Compact SUV With Measured Performance
The Renault Duster arrives with a three-star ANCAP rating, reflecting mixed safety performance for a compact SUV. It scored full marks for driver protection in the oblique pole test and for driver and child protection in side impacts, but the frontal offset and full width tests were less flattering. The driver’s chest showed weak protection in the MPDB test, and there is no centre airbag available. Its autonomous emergency braking system exists, but fell short in advanced scenarios such as turning, head-on situations and higher speeds. The Duster does not respond to an overtaking or oncoming vehicle in emergency lane-keeping situations, which dented its Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist scores.
Scores At A Glance
The official percentages underline the differences. The IM 6 recorded 90 percent Adult Occupant Protection, 91 percent Child Occupant Protection, 83 percent Vulnerable Road User Protection and 79 percent Safety Assist. The IM 5 posted 89 percent Adult Occupant Protection, 91 percent Child Occupant Protection, 85 percent Vulnerable Road User Protection and 79 percent Safety Assist. The Renault Duster returned 70 percent Adult Occupant Protection, 86 percent Child Occupant Protection, 60 percent Vulnerable Road User Protection and 58 percent Safety Assist.
What This Means For Buyers
ANCAP’s chief executive noted that the premium IM 5 and IM 6 demonstrate that high levels of vehicle safety are achievable and expressed hope these features will spread across the wider model range. For buyers it is straightforward: the MG pair are among the safest in their class, while the Duster remains a more modest choice where safety technology and protection are concerned.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
