New models shine in Euro NCAP

THIRTEEN new or refreshed models from various manufacturers have recently undergone Euro NCAP safety testing, with almost all of them receiving the maximum five-star rating.

Amongst the safety elite are the new Jaguar XE and XF, with both of the British luxury sedans earning the full five-star rating.

While the smaller XE is already on sale here in Australia, the XF is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2016.

The recently launched Mercedes-Benz GLC also gained a five-star rating, along with BMW's X1 small SUV and the latest Lexus RX completing a triplet of new luxury SUVs with top safety ratings.

Infiniti's upcoming A-Class twin, the Q30 also received top gong. Renault's new 2016 Megane also achieved five stars, following the controversy surrounding the safety ratings of the Captur and Clio and their lack of rear airbags.

Kia's pair of new-generation models were awarded with the maximum five-star rating, with the new Optima and the new 2016 Sportage, which will arrive locally in early 2016, both achieving the full safety rating.

While it may be a year or so away from Australian release, the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, which would be rebadged and sold as a Holden here, also received top gong in the safety tests.

However it wasn't all good news. MINI's Clubman, which was released here just last month, followed in the footsteps of other UKL-platform models in the range, achieving four stars. BMW's Z4 sports car only managed three out of five stars, based on average scores for occupant protection and safety assistance systems – albeit with an ageing design.

Nissan's latest Navara pick-up also fell short of the full five stars, with its average safety assistance score contributing to its four-star result.

While the results from the Euro NCAP tests aren't always representative of how these cars will fare in Australian ANCAP testing, the European tests still provide a guide for what the ANCAP results may be.

Pictured: Jaguar XF, Nissan Navara, Lexus RX, Kia Optima, Mercedes GLC, Jaguar XE, BMW X1, Opel (Holden) Astra, Renault Megane