ANCAP Tested: BYD Shark 6 Spotted with Battle Scars

Exciting news for Australian ute enthusiasts! The highly anticipated BYD Shark 6 has been spotted on the back of a tow truck, leaving the ANCAP Crash Lab in Western Sydney. This sighting has sent waves of excitement through the automotive community, as it strongly indicates that official safety testing is nearing completion.

Hallmarks of ANCAP Test Vehicle

ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) is Australia and New Zealand’s independent vehicle safety advocate. They conduct rigorous crash tests and safety assessments to provide consumers with transparent information about vehicle safety performance. The testing process involves:

Physical crash tests simulating common accident scenario
Assessment of on-board safety features and equipment
Performance tests of active collision avoidance technologies

The “0901” marking and specific crash damage patterns observed on the BYD Shark 6 are typical indicators of ANCAP testing procedures. These tests evaluate the vehicle’s performance across four key areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist.

Comparing to previous damage by ANCAP with the Hyundai i30, the tell-tale signs of the BYD Shark 6 spotted on a tow-truck indicates it is highly likely a ANCAP Crash Test vehicle.

Comparison of damage of Hyundai i30 ANCAP Crash Test

While ANCAP hasn't yet released official results, BYD is reportedly expecting a five-star safety rating for the Shark 6. This would put it on par with the best-in-class utes in terms of safety performance, potentially making it a game-changer in the competitive Australian ute market.

The Shark 6 comes equipped with an impressive array of safety features, including:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane keep assist
Adaptive cruise control
Front and rear cross-traffic alert
Driver fatigue monitoring
Surround-view camera

These advanced safety systems, combined with the vehicle's innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain, position the Shark 6 as a strong contender in the ute segment. With its expected price point of around $60,000 for the top-spec Premium version, the Shark 6 could offer a compelling mix of safety, technology, and value.

Stay tuned for the official ANCAP safety rating, which should be released soon. This could be the final piece of the puzzle for many potential buyers considering this groundbreaking plug-in hybrid ute.