How did your car score? 2025 MG ZS hybrid small SUV falls short in safety testing, but how did the Hyundai Santa Fe, Volvo EX30, Xpeng G6 and Jeep Avenger fare?

ANCAP has released a raft of new scores for eight new models that have landed in Australia this year.

Headlining the new scores is a disappointing rating for one of Australia’s favourite small SUVs, the new-generation MG ZS, which fell short of a five-star rating thanks to comparatively underwhelming performance in the 'Adult Occupant Protection' category.

The ZS scored 75 per cent in that category of crash tests, where a minimum of 80 per cent applies for a five-star rating. It also underperformed for its 'Vulnerable Road User Protection' score (73 per cent) while scoring well for 'Child Occupant Protection' (84 per cent) and for its active safety equipment, at 79 per cent.

The score applies to the currently available hybrid variants of the new-generation car.

Meanwhile, Jeep’s new electric small SUV, the Avenger, was also slammed by the safety body, scoring just three stars.

It was short of the mark in all four core categories, scoring 79 per cent for 'Adult Occupant Protection', 71 per cent for 'Child Occupant Protection', and scored poorly for 'Vulnerable Road User Protection' (59 per cent) and Safety Assist (54 per cent).

ANCAP delivered a scathing statement on these two new models, with CEO Carla Hoorweg saying: “The MG ZS’s four-star rating underscores the need for strong and balanced safety performance across all crash protection and prevention areas," she said.

“While the vehicle demonstrated strong performance in certain crash tests, improvements in Adult Occupant Protection - such as incorporating features like a centre airbag and enhancing rear seatbelt performance would help elevate its safety outcomes to better meet the expectations of today’s market.”

Additionally, on the Jeep Avenger, she said: “As an all-new model, it’s disheartening to see the Jeep Avenger fall short on safety. With many electric SUVs entering the market  and receiving five-star ANCAP ratings, we know manufacturers can prioritise top-tier safety. We urge Jeep to do so, ensuring buyers don’t have to compromise on safety.”

Other newcomers performed well, with the radically re-styled new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (hybrid variants only, incoming 2.5-litre petrol variants remain unrated), Lexus LBX, and Volvo EX30 scoring a maximum five stars.

Interestingly the remaining vehicles were all from Chinese newcomer brands. Xpeng’s much-anticipated G6 mid-size SUV scored a maximum five-star rating, with comparatively high scores in all four categories, as did the Leapmotor C10 mid-sizer from the Stellantis joint-venture, and the Zeekr X small SUV from Geely’s premium arm which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30.

Hoorweg spoke highly of the newcomer electric vehicles.

“There are close to 100 current five-star ANCAP ratings for alternate-powered vehicles, with most manufacturers proving that new models can be both safe and green.”

It is notable that, by and large, Chinese automakers have shaken off their reputation of being affordable alternatives that don't perform as well as Japanese and Korean alternatives in safety tests.

It is also worth noting that ANCAP’s bar-to-beat when it comes to safety ratings has ever increased, making it particularly difficult for vehicles under the $40,000 mark to vie for a maximum five-star rating, now requiring a full suite of active safety equipment and other extras like a centre airbag.

As an example, other vehicles that have recently fallen short of the coveted five-star rating include some versions of the Hyundai i30 Sedan (three stars), new-generation MG3 hatch (three stars), and even Honda’s ZR-V and CR-V which both achieved four-star ratings.

The more difficult rating criteria in recent years has prompted executives from some of Australia’s favourite manufacturers to speak out against ANCAP. Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott has said the mentality of cars having to be five stars or nothing is unhelpful.

MG’s local CEO Peter Ciao has also mentioned several times that an ANCAP five-star rating won’t be possible for some vehicles if the brand wants to maintain its keen price-point which its buyers are accustomed to.

Hyundai, which has been hit by several sub-five-star ratings for its new Kona and i30 Sedan range has also spoken out against the body, frustrated by its vehicles subsequently being ruled out from fleet use despite high occupant protection scores and automatic reductions applied based on active safety equipment.

ANCAP will have its work cut out for it in 2025 as more than ten new brands try their hand at carving out a slice of Australia’s new-car market.