Five stars for seven cars

The first Porsche ever tested by independent vehicle safety body Euro NCAP leads a gaggle of new models to achieve the maximum five-star result.

The Porsche Macan achieved an 88 per cent adult occupant protection rating in the latest round of European crash testing, but it wasn't the best performer.

Of the 12 new models tested, Land Rover's upcoming Discovery Sport was found to offer the greatest adult occupant protection at 93 per cent, followed by the new Kia Sorento SUV (90%).

Relatively close behind them in terms of adult occupant protection were the new Ford Mondeo mid-sizer (86%), which also goes on sale in Australia early next year, and Volkswagen's new Passat mid-sizer (85%), which is due here in late 2015.

Rounding out the list of five-star performers were Subaru's latest Outback crossover (85% adult occupant protection), which is here early next year too, and the all-new Lexus NX mid-size luxury SUV (82%).

However, achieving only four stars were the smart fortwo (82%) and forfour (78%), both of which are yet to be confirmed for local release. Mercedes-Benz says the Euro NCAP rating will have no bearing on its decision on the future of Daimler's micro-car brand in Australia.

Also scoring just four stars were the new MINI Cooper hatch (79%), which was released here this year, and the Opel Corsa light hatch (79%), which could be sold here as a Holden.

Europe's budget-priced Dacia Logan people-mover scored a sub-standard three stars, achieving just 57 per cent for adult occupant protection.