New models from BYD, Tesla and MG notch top ratings, as does a re-tested Skoda.

FIVE stars across the board - that’s the order of merit for latest crash test results from our national independent auditor.

Australasian New Car Assessment Programme has released highest safety ratings for the BYD SEAL 6, MG4 Urban (pictured) and Tesla Model Y L, alongside a reassessment of the Skoda Octavia.

The Australia-based, New Zealand-supported and part-funded assessor has just announced the five star scores.

It says the BYD Seal 6 was the leading performer in this latest release, earning the highest adult occupant protection score, at 92 percent. Available as a sedan and a wagon, the large plug-in hybrid earned strong marks across all four pillars of assessment. In crash tests, protection was good across nearly all critical body regions for both driver and passengers.

The MG4 Urban, a new battery electric small car that has just come on sale, earned five stars with solid results across all pillars.

Crash protection performance was strong, with good protection across key body regions in both frontal and side impact tests. Autonomous emergency braking performed well in forward pedestrian and cyclist scenarios.

The six-seat three-row Tesla Model Y L achieved strong results in safety assist and adult occupant protection.

The rating is based on testing of the related five-seat Model Y, with additional testing and assessments undertaken to make sure results were applicable to the longer-wheelbase variant, ANCAP says.

It noted difficulties were identified with child restraint installation in second row seating positions, where many restraints could not be correctly installed due to limitations with top tether routing.

In the third row, rearward-facing and forward-facing convertible child restraints could not be easily installed using the ISOFix anchorages. As a result, ANCAP says, “care should be taken when selecting and installing child restraints in these positions.”

The Skoda Octavia retained its five-star rating following a reassessment of vehicles built from July 2025. It scored 85 percent for adult occupancy protection, 81 percent for child occupancy protection and vulnerable road user protection and 82 percent for safety assist.

“These results highlight clear strengths across these models. The BYD SEAL 6 leads the group on adult occupant protection, the Tesla Model Y L tops it on safety assist, and the MG4 EV Urban holds its own against both as a small electric car,” said ANCAP’s chief executive, Carla Hoorweg.

“Buyers now have more choice than ever before. ANCAP star ratings provide independent, rigorous assessments of how well vehicles prevent crashes and protect occupants and other road users in serious crashes – meaning consumers can make an informed choice when it comes to safety.

“Safety information should always be non-negotiable in any vehicle purchase.”