The new BYD Shark 6 is the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute to undergo local ANCAP testing and has secured a five-star safety rating.
The dual-cab ute achieved strong scores across all key testing categories, with 85 per cent given for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 74 per cent for its vulnerable road user protection, and 86 per cent for its safety assist technologies.
Standard safety features include dual frontal, side chest, and head airbags, along with a centre airbag designed to mitigate side-impact injuries for front passengers. In crash tests, the Shark 6’s passenger cabin remained stable, with most key body regions receiving a ‘Good’ protection rating, though the driver’s chest was rated Adequate.
However, due to its size and weight, the Shark 6 received the full 8.00-point penalty in the vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility assessment. The kerb weight is listed at 2710kg, making it one of the heaviest utes on sale, especially for its size.
Child protection came out as a highlight, with maximum points awarded in frontal offset and side-impact tests. The Shark 6 also features a Child Presence Detection system, which can activate the air-conditioning if an unattended child is detected. However, the system did not meet ANCAP’s sensitivity requirements, resulting in a zero-point score for this category.
For vulnerable road users, the Shark 6 performed well in pedestrian and cyclist autonomous emergency braking (AEB) tests, avoiding or mitigating collisions in most scenarios. The system also includes cyclist side-door alerts and rear AEB, though the latter was rated ‘Marginal’.
ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg noted the significance of the rating, saying:
“With five of BYD’s current local models having now earned top ANCAP safety ratings, it’s evident that new manufacturers are prioritising safety as they enter the market to align with consumer demands. Following the recently rated GWM Cannon Alpha hybrid ute, we expect to see an increase in electrified options in the utility space. And so far, they’re meeting the mark.”
