Alfa Romeo Giulia and VW Tiguan get five-star safety rating

Alfa Romeo has defied its sceptical critics by being awarded the full five-star overall crash protection rating for its new Giulia sedan by safety body Euro NCAP.

Originally, it was reported that Alfa Romeo's first rear-wheel drive sedan in almost 30 years had been delayed by six months to buy more time for the Italian car-maker to refine safety concerns said to involve the Giulia's all-new modular architecture.

The extra work obviously paid off as the mid-size sedan was rewarded a 98 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 81 per cent for child occupant protection, 69 per cent for pedestrian impact and 60 per cent for safety assist.

Volkswagen's new Tiguan, meanwhile scored 96 per cent for adult protection, 84 per cent for child occupant, 72 per cent for pedestrian impact and 68 per cent for its safety assist features that include an active bonnet, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

While both the Germans and Italians received top marks, Suzuki's new Baleno wasn't so fortunate.

In standard specification, the small five-door hatchback was awarded just three stars.

Scoring just 25 per cent in Safety Assist systems dragged the Suzuki's overall rating down, although Euro NCAP testers did award a reasonable 80 per cent for adult occupant protection, 73 per cent for child protection and a decent 65 per cent score for pedestrian impact.

The final car that was tested by the European safety body was the latest Toyota Prius, which like the Giulia and Tiguan was also awarded the full five stars overall, topping its rivals with an 85 per cent ranking for its safety systems.

While the Mk4 Prius is already on sale in Australia, the Baleno arrives in August, followed by the MkII Tiguan in September and the Giulia early next year.