We’ve analysed all the brand-new family-sized cars on Kiwi roads in 2023 to find out which cars have the best safety credentials – and here are six of the top performers:
Lexus UX300E
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Power: 150kW, 300Nm of torque
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: From $79,900 (indicative price only)
- Clean car rebate: $8,625
The UX300E provides that distinctive Lexus style in a small SUV, delivering a prestige brand EV at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for running the kids around town – zippy to drive with light steering and responsible handling. The luxurious interior includes an unusual trackpad infotainment system and a spacious boot.
The UX300E has superb safety credentials, scoring well on adult occupant protection (96%), child occupant protection (88%) and safety assist (83%). It sneaks in just under the clean car rebate price cap, giving you a significant discount, and features a 45kWh battery that provides 360km of range.
Mazda MX-30
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: AC synchronous single electric motor
- Power: 107kW, 271Nm of torque
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: From $68,590
- Clean car rebate: $8,625
Stylish and innovative, the five-seater Mazda MX-30 is made with recycled materials, sustainable cork and vegan leather – the soft-touch interior has a top-quality feel. Its ‘freestyle’ rear doors open in the opposite direction to the front doors, providing excellent access for passengers. The light battery helps provide an agile and responsive drive, with adjustable regen modes, and Mazda plants five trees for every new car it sells.
This is a very safe vehicle, scoring 93% on adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection and 74% for safety assist on ANCAP testing. The all electric Takami (specs below) has a 35.5kWh battery, providing up to 224km of range.
Peugeot 2008
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Power: 100kW, 260Nm of torque
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: From $57,365 + on-road costs
- Clean car rebate: $8,625
A handsome and well-priced vehicle, available in petrol or battery electric options, the e-2008 is billed as ‘Europe’s best-selling compact e-SUV’. It's not surprising that it’s popular, with an appealing price and a low centre of gravity that makes it fun to drive. Its ‘I-cockpit’ features a 3D digital dash, three driving modes including one very economical one, and Alcantara-covered sports seats for the driver and front passenger.
The 2008 has great ANCAP ratings: 93% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection and 72% for safety assist. The electric model (specifications below) has a 50kWh battery, which provides a range of 332km.
Tesla Model X
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: Dual electric motor
- Power: 670hp peak output from a 100kWh battery
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: Likely starting at around $135,000 (you pay a pre-order deposit and the price is finalised as delivery approaches)
- Clean car rebate: $0 (exceeds the price cap)
The Model X is not only a practical family vehicle with a seven-seater option, it’s also uniquely stylish, with its falcon wing doors and the world’s largest panoramic windscreen. It has a minimalist yet high-tech interior, with a massive 17” touchscreen and console-grade gaming.
The Model X scores extremely well on ANCAP adult occupant protection (98%) and safety assist (94%), and it gets an 86% for child occupant protection. Its 560km range is generous, it can tow up to 2,300kg, and the acceleration is an impressive 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100km/hr.
BYD ATTO 3
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Power: 150kW, 310Nm of torque
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: From $58,990 + on-road costs
- Clean car rebate: $8,625
If you’re looking for outstanding value for money in a safe family vehicle, you’ll want to shortlist the five-seater BYD ATTO 3. The ATTO 3 has been turning heads since its launch in 2022, with its unusual interior, innovative battery design, and excellent safety credentials. All that at a surprisingly low price even before you apply the maximum clean car rebate. Click here to see what our vehicle experts had to say about the ATTO 3.
ANCAP has rated the ATTO 3 at 91% for adult occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection and 80% for safety assist. The base model has a 50kWh battery with a range of 345km (more specs below), or you have the option to upgrade to the extended 60kWh variant.
MG ZS EV
- ANCAP safety rating: *****
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Power: 130kW, 280Nm
- CO2 emissions: 0
- Price: From $49,990 + on-road costs
- Clean car rebate: $8,625
MG says this is “New Zealand’s best value EV” – a believable claim considering it costs just over $41,000 after you claim the full rebate. The ZS EV is a sporty drive, with a big sunroof and all the technology you would expect from a brand-new electric car.
The very latest ZS EV is yet to be ANCAP tested, but its safety performance is likely to be as good as its predecessor’s, which scored well on adult occupant protection (90%), child occupant protection (84%) and safety assist (71%). The base model Excite (specs below) has a 51kWh battery with a range of up to 320km and a seven-year warranty. See what our car experts say about the MG ZS EV here.