Audi, Tesla, MG score top marks in ANCAP testing, Hyundai Venue falls short

The independent safety body called the all-electric Tesla Model X the "standout performer" among the five cars tested, record-equalling scores for adult occupant protection and safety assist.

Meanwhile, the Audi A7 and Q8 demonstrated "good performance in all assessment areas".

Although it still met the standards for a five-star result, the new MG HS – which is a critical car for the Chinese brand, going head-to-head with the Mazda CX-5 – suffered a "higher risk of injury in side impact crash scenarios".

“Tested to our most stringent criteria, the MG HS scored well, yet concerns were noted for chest protection of the driver in the oblique pole test and head protection for older children in the side impact test," said ANCAP CEO, James Goodwin.

Meanwhile, the new Hyundai Venue fell short when it came to avoiding rear-end collisions using its autonomous emergency braking system.

It uses a camera-based AEB system instead of the camera- and radar-based 'fusion' system (which is capable of detecting cyclists) offered overseas.

At launch, Hyundai predicted the Venue would only achieve a four-star rating – but argues it's still significantly safer than the Accent it nominally replaces.

"If we are making a comparison between the Accent and the Venue, the Venue's standard of safety is much better than Accent, but the Venue is four stars and the Accent is five," now-departed Hyundai Australia boss JW Lee said earlier this year.

"In a customer's point of view, [they] will think it's four star, so not safe. But the reality is, a current four-star car is in reality much safer than an older five-star car. It's confusing."