Two Tesla chasers get top safety score

Two premium electric MGs from China have achieved five-star safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The IM6 battles in the premium SUV market as a rival to the strong-selling Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7, offering three all-electric variants. 

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In the full width frontal test, the car got maximum points again, except for the chest area where it dropped slightly.

Oblique pole testing was the IM6’s worst area with the chest impact receiving a little over two points of a possible four. 

Overall, the car earned 90 per cent for adult protection and 91 per cent for child protection, with pedestrian protection sitting at 83 per cent. 

The MG IM5 sedan had similarly successful testing results, achieving 89 per cent for adult protection and 91 per cent child protection. It also received 85 per cent for pedestrian protection. 

The IM5 is a premium sedan alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 as well as the BYD Seal. 

In the frontal offset test, good protection was offered for all critical body areas for the driver apart from the chest area that was adequate. Rear passenger chest protection was marginal in that frontal test.

In oblique pole testing, there was marginal protection for the driver's chest, but good protection elsewhere, and the car performed well in side impact testing.

ANCAP also tested the Renault Duster compact SUV, which only received a three-star safety rating. 

The Duster achieved 70 per cent for adult protection, and 86 per cent for child protection, while vulnerable road user protection was 60 per cent. 

In full-width frontal testing the Duster only had marginal protection for the driver’s and passenger’s chest. Passenger neck protection was adequate and protection elsewhere was good.

In side impact and oblique pole testing, good protection was offered to all critical body regions. The driver’s seatbelt required excessive force to release after the oblique test, which incurred a deduction.

The Duster went on sale in Australia in August as a cut-price alternative to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek. It is built and sold by Romanian brand Dacia in Europe but it's being sold here under parent company Renault's banner.

The two IM models are the result of a collaboration between MG's parent company SAIC and Chinese retail and tech giant Alibaba.