4 star safety rating for MG6. Top safety ratings for Holden Trax, Peugeot 208 & Citroen DS5

ANCAP today released safety ratings for four models available to the Australian and New Zealand markets - the new Holden Trax, Peugeot 208, Citroen DS5 and MG6.

The Trax, 208 and DS5 all achieved top 5 star ANCAP safety ratings, performing well across each of the five physical ANCAP tests. 5 star safety ratings apply to all variants of the Trax and DS5. The 5 star safety rating for the 208 applies only to 5 door hatches with a 4 cylinder engine.

Falling short of the 5 star level in this latest round of testing was the MG6 which scored a 4 star ANCAP safety rating. The MG6 lacked sufficient overall points to earn the top rating. In the frontal offset test, protection from serious leg injury for the driver and front passenger was marginal. Also, the driver's airbag did not prevent the head from making contact with the rim of the steering wheel. The MG6 has been available in New Zealand for several months and will soon go on sale in Australia.

"The number of safer, 5 star rated cars available to consumers is increasing almost daily - a trend ANCAP obviously wants to see continue to ensure we can save as many lives and injuries as possible on our roads," said ANCAP Chairman, Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.

"Consumers now expect new cars to have a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, so the 4 star rating for the MG6 may be a deal breaker for some when it comes to making their purchasing decision," Mr McIntosh added.

The five physical tests ANCAP currently undertakes are:

1. Frontal offset test - simulates a partial head-on crash with another car of similar size travelling at the same speed.
2. Side impact test - simulates two cars colliding at 90 degrees.
3. Pole test - simulates a car colliding sideways with a fixed object such as a tree or a pole (only conducted on vehicles which are fitted with head-protecting side airbags).
4. Pedestrian tests - simulate collisions between a car and pedestrians.
5. Whiplash test - assesses the performance of the seat and head restraint in protecting the occupant from neck and spinal injury when a car is struck from the rear.

Minimum scores are required in each of these physical tests in order to be eligible for a 5 star ANCAP safety rating. From 2014, a sixth test will be introduced to measure roof strength. A strong roof reduces the risk of injury to occupants in a rollover crash.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

To search individual crash test results for over 450 vehicles, learn more about safety technologies, explore interactive features, watch videos and to download images and media releases visit ancap.com.au.