GAC AION UT and XPENG X9 achieve five-star ANCAP ratings
Words: Andrew Sluys
Two Chinese newcomers to the New Zealand market have received five-star ANCAP ratings following testing.
Both vehicles were subject to ANCAP’s more strict 2026-2028 safety rating criteria, which recently came into effect.
This new criteria includes a focus on the performance of the vehicle’s high-voltage battery in the event of a crash.
The battery undergoes a ‘pierce test’ which checks to see if physical damage to the battery will lead to a fire.
Both vehicles are also fitted with ‘eCall’ technology, which makes contact with emergency services following a collision.
As for individual scoring, the GAC AION UT achieved 68 per cent in Safe Driving, 74 per cent in Crash Avoidance, 90 per cent in Crash Protection, and 88 per cent in Post Crash.
The XPENG X9 got 56 per cent in Safe Driving, 82 per cent in Crash Avoidance, 91 per cent in Crash Protection, and 91 per cent in Post Crash.
Despite the five-star ratings, both the AION UT and X9 were called out for the lack of physical controls for important functions.
Speaking on this, ANCAP Chief Executive, Carla Hoorweg said:
“Our 2026 safety rating requirements are comprehensive and ambitious, encouraging manufacturers to deliver a broader range of safety features and higher levels of protection,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, Carla Hoorweg.
“We want to see carmakers bring back buttons for the functions drivers use every day. Adjusting your windscreen wipers, switching on your headlights or clearing a fogged-up windscreen should be simple, intuitive and achievable without taking your attention off the road.”
