Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Hyundai Veloster awarded five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

The all-new Audi Q3 compact SUV scored a near-perfect 94 per cent for adult passenger safety, with child safety rated at 85 per cent. The Q3 also received 86 per cent for its active safety assist technologies, such as stability control, but only 52 per cent for pedestrian safety because of its taller SUV stance.

BMW's new 1 Series received 91 per cent in adult passenger safety, while child safety is rated at 83 per cent. The safety assist technologies also scored 86 per cent, while pedestrian protection was given a score of 63 per cent.

The sporty little Hyundai Veloster scored the equal highest rating for adult passenger safety, with 96 per cent, while child safety was rated the highest score in the latest tests at 89 per cent. Safety assist technologies were rated a bit lower in comparison, with a score of 71 per cent. Pedestrian safety didn't shape up quite as well either, with a score of 49 per cent.

Other new cars recently tested included the new Opel Astra GTC, which was given the five-star rating thanks to 91 per cent adult passenger and 79 per cent for child safety, while the new Mercedes-Benz ML-Class also scored the top five-star rating with relatively high scores in all segments.

The new BMW 1 Series was launched in Australia in October. The Hyundai Veloster will reach our shores during the first quarter of 2012, and the Audi Q3 will join it in the first half of next year.