ANCAP has released its latest Commercial Van Safety Comparison results, confirming that van safety is steadily improving with several updated and new models making significant gains in crash avoidance technology.
The headline results include two new vans debuting with a top-tier PLATINUM safety grading: the LDV Deliver 7 and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. Meanwhile, updates to the Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert have earned both models a jump to GOLD status — a clear sign that manufacturers are prioritising active safety systems in their light commercial offerings.
The LDV Deliver 7 achieved an overall safety performance score of 86%, earning it a PLATINUM grading on debut. According to ANCAP, the diesel-powered variant outperforms its electric counterpart, the eDeliver 7, in active safety functionality. It delivered strong scores across key crash avoidance areas, particularly in automatic emergency braking (AEB) at intersections — a critical scenario for urban delivery vans.
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo also achieved PLATINUM status with a performance score of 80%, praised for its comprehensive active safety package. “It’s clear that safety is being prioritised by manufacturers bringing new-generation vans to market,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg.
Notably, ANCAP’s Commercial Van Safety Comparison focuses on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) performance rather than traditional crash test results. It’s designed specifically to help fleet buyers and small business owners evaluate the safety of vans based on features such as AEB, lane keeping systems, and speed assistance.
The Renault Trafic and Peugeot Expert have both seen specification upgrades that apply to vehicles built from October 2024. These enhancements have translated into GOLD safety gradings — up from SILVER — for both models.
The Renault Trafic now includes AEB systems that detect pedestrians and cyclists. ANCAP noted these systems were rated as “Adequate” and “Good” respectively. While lane departure warning is included, the Trafic still lacks active lane keep assist, which may be a consideration for fleet operators managing mixed-use or longer-distance routes. The latest result marks a substantial improvement from the Trafic’s earlier “Not Recommended” status in 2020.
Similarly, the Peugeot Expert’s update includes active lane support and AEB car-to-cyclist detection as standard across all variants. ANCAP highlighted strong performance in lane support and speed assistance functions — features that are increasingly important in managing driver fatigue and compliance across fleet operations.
Ms Hoorweg commended the improvements: “It’s great to see active steps being taken to improve the safety specification of these vans, and the tangible results of those efforts.”
Since the launch of the Commercial Van Safety Comparison program, ANCAP has assessed a growing number of vans, and now reports that eight models hold a PLATINUM rating. The comparison program supplements ANCAP’s traditional star ratings and provides additional insights specifically tailored for NA and NB category vehicles, which include most commercial vans used in trades, delivery, and service roles.
Fleet buyers and Procurement Managers can access the full list of van safety results and performance breakdowns at ancap.com.au/vans.
