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Euro NCAP: CX-30, Explorer, GLB get five-star ratings

Independent crash-testing firm, Euro NCAP, has released its latest round of safety ratings, with the new Mazda CX-30, Ford Explorer, and Mercedes-Benz GLB all achieving five-star results.


The star of the show was the Mazda CX-30, which recorded a near-perfect 99 per cent score for Adult Occupant Protection, giving it the highest score for this category against Euro NCAP's 2018-19 protocol.

Beyond the standout adult protection score, the CX-30 managed 86 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 80 per cent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 77 per cent for Safety Assist.

"Congratulations to Mazda for another almost-perfect score in adult occupant safety. There are still several cars to be rated in 2019 but it is unlikely we will see better for this part of the assessment," said Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP.

The second five-star rating was awarded to the new Mercedes-Benz GLB, the sixth model from the German marque to be assessed by the crash-testing firm this year – and the sixth to get a five-star rating.

Mercedes-Benz's compact seven-seat SUV scored 92 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 88 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 78 per cent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 74 per cent for Safety Assist.

Also achieving a five-star result was the new-generation Ford Explorer, which has made its way to the European market purely as a plug-in hybrid.

The big Ford scored 87 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 86 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 61 per cent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 76 per cent for Safety Assist.

"Congratulations to Ford and Mercedes-Benz for their five-star ratings, too. Euro NCAP is now gearing up for new tests in 2020 but we’re confident that manufacturers will continue to deliver the highest levels of safety to their customers," van Ratingen added.

Rounding out the latest set of safety ratings was the new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, which managed four stars. According to Euro NCAP, the Corsa only missed out by a single percentage point in Safety Assist assessment, which ruled out a five-star rating.

Going by the Euro NCAP report card, the Corsa only achieved 'Adequate' ratings in the Lane Support and AEB Inter-Urban tests.

Overall, however, the Corsa performed well with 84 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 86 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 66 per cent for Vulnerable Road Users and 69 per cent for Safety Assist.

Mazda Australia's director for marketing, Alastair Doak, issued a statement this week regarding the CX-30's performance in Euro NCAP testing:

"Australian customers demand the highest safety standards and Mazda CX-30 is set to deliver with exceptional scores across the board for both active and passive safety," Doak said.

"Mazda has long made safety its first priority and to see Mazda CX-30 receive a near-perfect score in Adult Occupant Protection from Euro NCAP is very pleasing."

"We look forward to working with ANCAP to localise the results in the New Year."

The Mazda CX-30 is tipped to hit Australian showrooms in "early 2020", while the Mercedes-Benz GLB has been confirmed for a third-quarter launch Down Under next year.

Meanwhile, Ford Australia has had nothing to announce regarding the new Explorer, despite the Euro NCAP report card noting validity of its five-star rating for right-hand drive versions (we haven't seen any announcements for the UK market).

Should it be made available in RHD, it could at some point be a chance for the Australian market.

Finally, the Opel Corsa appears to be off the cards for Australia given the German brand is no longer available locally, and it's no longer under the GM banner don't expect to see it offered as a Holden either.

However, the related Peugeot 208 is due to hit our shores sometime next year.

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