New Cars Score Top Safety Marks, No Excuses Left Now
photo zeekr 7x side impact b
ANCAP has handed out five star safety ratings to a fresh batch of cars now rolling into Australia and New Zealand. In plain English, these are the ones that are least likely to turn you into something resembling modern art when things go pear shaped. The results were assessed under ANCAPs 2023 to 2025 criteria, with a new rating system arriving for vehicles tested from 2026.
Who Scored Five Stars
The Leapmotor B10 turned in impressive numbers across the board, most notably a whopping 95 percent for Child Occupant Protection. That is equal to the highest Child score under the current testing rules. Its Adult Occupant Protection was 93 percent, Vulnerable Road User Protection 84 percent, and Safety Assist 86 percent.
The Geely Starray EM-i, Geelys first plug-in hybrid rated by ANCAP, produced a well balanced showing. It scored 90 percent for Adult Occupant Protection, 87 percent for Child Occupant Protection, 86 percent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 82 percent for Safety Assist. The 86 percent VRU result reflects effective pedestrian and cyclist protection.
The Zeekr 7X, the second Zeekr model ANCAP has assessed, delivered high marks for occupants and crushed the side impact and oblique pole tests, picking up maximum points in both. Its scores were 91 percent Adult Occupant, 87 percent Child Occupant, 78 percent Vulnerable Road User, and 78 percent Safety Assist.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe also claimed five stars, with strong occupant protection and the highest Vulnerable Road User score of this group at 87 percent. Its breakdown was 93 percent Adult Occupant, 86 percent Child Occupant, 87 percent Vulnerable Road User, and 84 percent Safety Assist.
The Kia EV4 achieved five stars as well, reflecting the standard safety specification supplied to the market. Its scores were 84 percent Adult Occupant, 86 percent Child Occupant, 77 percent Vulnerable Road User, and 81 percent Safety Assist.
Updated And Extended Ratings
There is an updated five star rating for the Toyota bZ4X that applies to vehicles built from October 2025. The bZ4X and its twin, the Subaru Solterra, carry through updated results after specification changes made by their manufacturers. Both the bZ4X and the Solterra scored 88 percent Adult Occupant, 86 percent Child Occupant, 80 percent Vulnerable Road User, and 82 percent Safety Assist.
The existing five star rating for the MG HS, originally published for petrol variants, has been extended to hybrid and plug in hybrid variants. Additional testing confirmed comparable occupant protection and high voltage system integrity, with the MG HS posting 90 percent Adult Occupant, 87 percent Child Occupant, 83 percent Vulnerable Road User, and 74 percent Safety Assist.
ANCAP stresses that as more new models and emerging brands arrive, independent safety assessment remains critical. The testing provides clear, comparable information so buyers can see how vehicles perform in real protection categories, regardless of badge or price point.
All results announced here were assessed and published under ANCAPs 2023 to 2025 testing and assessment protocols. A new ratings system will apply to vehicles tested from 2026.
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.
