MG SUV first Chinese car to get five-star ANCAP rating
Australian car safety authority crash tests the MG GSThe stereotype of 'unsafe' Chinese cars may be done after the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the MG GS SUV five-stars.
The rating is the highest possible, given to cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Subaru Liberty. And now, for the first time, a Chinese-made car.
When it first launched locally back in March, the MG GS was initially rated four out of five stars by ANCAP, chiefly because it lacked rear seatbelt reminders.
Having remedied this, the MG GS is now the first Chinese car to get the top safety score, although it should be pointed out the car still lacks autonomous emergency braking (AEB). From 2018 ANCAP will likely deduct points from the scores of cars without AEB.
"We initially assessed this model earlier this year and saw that while structurally it offered sound levels of occupant protection, its safety specification did not meet what is now expected as a minimum for a five star car," stated Mr James Goodwin, ANCAP CEO.
"MG must be commended for upgrading this model and this achievement raises the bar for other similar brands entering the very competitive Australian new vehicle fleet," he added.
Mr Zhu Chao, MG Motor Australia chief, was clearly very happy with the five-star ANCAP safety rating.
"Over the past year we have listened to the market and our Australian customers, while there is still a road ahead of us, this is a proud first step for SAIC Motor and MG Motor Australia," he revealed. "Safety remains paramount to MG Motor Australia, and we will endeavour to strive for future high ratings."
Other vehicles scrutinised in the recent ANCAP round of crash testing included the new Kia Rio small car, all variants of which were awarded five-stars. The Suzuki Swift was also tested and, while the entry-level Swift GL got a four-star rating, the rest were awarded five stars.
"The Swift is an affordable car and we would encourage consumers to opt for one of the higher specified models to ensure they're getting the best safety package," Goodwin said.
For more details on the crash-test results, check out the ANCAP website.
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