Audi Q3 Earns top safety marks, while refreshed Nissan Qashqai drops a star

• ANCAP has released the results of its latest of safety assessments, with the Audi Q3 scoring top marks with 5 stars.
• The Suzuki e Vitara scored 4 stars, with the lack of a centre airbag holding it back from 5.
• The refreshed Nissan Qashqai was also reassessed and dropped down to 4 stars.

ANCAP has released its latest round of vehicle impact assessments, awarding a 5 star safety rating to the new Audi Q3 while the all-electric Suzuki e Vitara achieved a four-star result, with a number of update vehicles coming in for reassessment, with mixed results.

The Suzuki e Vitara, a battery-electric small SUV, was awarded 4 stars after demonstrating sound capability in most assessment areas. However, its final score was limited by its performance in Adult Occupant Protection. Specifically, testers recorded results ranging from "GOOD" to "WEAK" in full-width tests, and the vehicle lacks a head-protecting centre airbag, which is designed to reduce injuries during side-impact crashes.

In addition to new models, ANCAP issued updated ratings for several existing vehicles following specification changes: the Audi A3 and Cupra Leon both small cars retained their 5 star ANCAP safety ratings, continuing to provide high levels of protection across all assessment categories.

The refreshed Nissan Qashqai, on the other hand, dropped to a 4 star rating, with ANCAGP saying that while child occupant protection remains a strong suit for the SUV, its performance in other categories could not keep pace with contemporary 5 star requirements.

“It’s encouraging to see improvements in safety performance across the market, this latest rating achieved by the e Vitara is evidence Suzuki can produce a model that offers sound levels of safety performance,” said Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, referencing the Japanese manufacturer's recent run of poor results, first with the Swift and then with the Fronx small SUV.

"These outcomes show that higher levels of safety are within reach, and that continued focus on delivering consistent performance across all areas is key to achieving the highest rating."