ANCAP has awarded the 2017 MG GS, Kia Rio and Suzuki Swift five-star ratings, with the MG GS the first-ever Chinese-built car to achieve five stars.
THE 2017 MG GS HAS jumped from its four-star rating to five stars with ANCAP claiming specification upgrades and improved performance in the pole test are the reason.
“We initially assessed this model earlier this year and saw that while structurally it offered sound levels of occupant protection, its safety specification did not meet what is now expected as a minimum for a 5 star car,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, James Goodwin.
“MG must be commended for upgrading this model and this achievement raises the bar for other similar brands entering the very competitive Australian new vehicle fleet,” Mr Goodwin said.
It should be noted the five-star rating applies to only those MG GS models built from August 2017 and on-sale in October 2017. It’s overall rating was 34.47 out of 37 and there’s no AEB or lane-departure warnings available anywhere in the range, so, being tested in 2017 has a big advantage in gaining a five-star rating; from 2018 ANCAP will fully adopt EuroNCAP testing protocol and weighting with AEB vital in securing a five-star rating.
Other vehicles that scored five stars were the Kia Rio and certain variants of Suzuki Swift, GL Navigator, GL Navigator with Safety Pack and GLX Turbo variants (1.0 litre and 1.2 litre models). The entry-level GL retains a four-star rating.
“The Swift is an affordable car and we would encourage consumers to opt for one of the higher specified models to ensure they’re getting the best safety package,” Mr Goodwin added.
The Kia Rio doesn’t offer AEB or lane departure systems but did realise a total score of 35.52 out of 37. “There is healthy competition within the Light Car segment, and the 5 star rating for all variants of the Rio adds to this.”
