Australia’s independent automotive safety authority, ANCAP, has awarded another all-electric model, the Polestar 2 mid-size liftback, its maximum five-star rating. But is the new EV safer than the rivalling Tesla Model 3?
Well, the Polestar 2 posted a strong set of results, recording results of 92 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 87 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 80 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 82 per cent for Safety Assist against the 2021 protocol.
Against the slightly older 2019 standard, the Model 3 performed better in Adult Occupant Protection (96%) and Safety Assist (94%) but poorer in Vulnerable Road User Protection (74%), while Child Occupation Protection (87%) was a tie.
For those keeping score, that’s one win for the Polestar 2, two victories for the Model 3, and one tie between the archrivals. Tesla technically got the chocolates, then, keeping in mind the testing criteria has changed somewhat over the past three years.
Either way, ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said: “Today’s consumers are looking to purchase vehicles with top safety and environmental credentials. The well-rounded Polestar 2 ticks these boxes and adds to the suite of five-star-rated EVs now available to Australasian consumers.”
“ANCAP safety ratings are designed to encourage vehicles to provide good protection to vehicle occupants and other road users, and the Polestar 2 has performed well across all areas of assessment.”
For reference, the Polestar 2 five-star ANCAP safety rating applies across its line-up, including the entry-level Standard Range Single Motor ($59,900 plus on-road costs), mid-spec Long Range Single Motor ($64,900) and flagship Long Range Dual Motor ($69,900) variants.
As reported, local deliveries of the Polestar 2 are due to start in March, with private buyers offered a full money-back guarantee if they’re not satisfied with their purchase within the first seven days of ownership, providing it has been driven for less than 500km.
Keyword: Safer than 2022 Tesla Model 3? New Polestar electric car gets five-star safety rating - but does the new EV outperform its archrival?