Three fresh safety ratings have landed from ANCAP, confirming five-star results across a trio of high-profile newcomers: the Skoda Superb, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Kia Carnival Hybrid.
Skoda Superb
Recently re-introduced to Australia and New Zealand, the Superb sedan and wagon scored strongly thanks to their shared platform with the VW Passat. Adult Occupant Protection reached a near-record 93 per cent, buoyed by perfect marks in the frontal offset, side impact and pole tests.
ANCAP highlighted the sedan’s autonomous emergency braking, which consistently prevented or mitigated crashes with vehicles, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. “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 Carla Hoorweg.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Launched in January 2024, the latest E200 and E300 sedans continued the model’s reputation for occupant safety. The new E-Class excelled in side-impact and pole testing, with full points awarded to the driver in the full-width frontal test.
Collision-avoidance performance was solid overall, with effective pedestrian detection and auto-braking. However, pedestrian pelvic protection scored just 0.74 out of a possible 4.5 points, leaving a small gap in an otherwise strong record.
“As expected, the E-Class carries through its safety pedigree, offering five-star safety in a premium package,” Hoorweg noted.
Kia Carnival Hybrid
Already a segment leader among large people movers, the Carnival had previously secured a five-star rating in 2021 for petrol and diesel variants. The recent arrival of the hybrid prompted fresh testing, including frontal offset and pole impacts, to confirm crash integrity and battery safety.
Results show the hybrid matches its combustion siblings for occupant and crash protection. ANCAP has now extended the five-star rating across all 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid, petrol and diesel variants.
“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,” Hoorweg said.
Full results are available at www.ancap.com.au.