Hatch gains extra star
Incremental improvements to the safety specification and performance by MG has resulted in its light hatchback receiving an updated four-star rating, which ANCAP says comes “with caution”.
The second-generation MG3, originally launched in New Zealand and Australia last year, achieved three stars when first tested.
While it offered improved safety specification over its first-generation predecessor, the 2024 model “held limitations in driver, front passenger and rear-passenger protection, and collision-avoidance performance”.
A production change in place for the MG3, pictured, on sale from May 2025 sees those now sold in Europe and Australasia have a centre airbag between the two front-row occupants, a driver-monitoring system and improved collision-avoidance capability.
With the design and specification changes prompting reassessment, a fresh round of testing on updated MG3s resulted in improved scores for adult occupant and vulnerable road-user protection, as well as safety assist, elevating them into four-star territory.
During the frontal-offset crash test, which simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle each travelling at 50kph, the right-side adjuster of the driver’s seat failed, causing it to twist during the crash impact.
This movement exacerbated loads on the driver dummy’s right leg and protection of that part of the body was rated as poor. The dummy’s head was also observed to “bottom out” the airbag against the steering wheel so head protection was scored as adequate.
Both the three-star and four-star vehicles were tested and assessed against current 2023/25 rating criteria.
Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP’s chief executive, says: “This uplift from three stars to four stars is a step in the right direction, yet seat-latch failure is not something we expect to see and is cause for caution.
“It’s clear MG is trying hard to bring improved products to market. What we want to see, however, is a focus on quality as well as safety.
“The failure of the seat adjuster increased the risk of injury to the driver. Key components such as this should be able to withstand this typical urban-environment crash. We expect MG to make a running change to rectify the fault and move to retrospectively fix affected vehicles in the market.”
Current protocols do not apply penalties for this specific failure beyond the effect on dummy performance. ANCAP and Euro NCAP will review this aspect of its rating protocols, particularly in situations where manufacturers opt not to rectify or improve failed safety elements.
Suzuki is another manufacturer responding positively by upgrading its safety offering. When the Swift was launched down under in 2024, it carried a lower level of safety specification than the European version resulting in a one-star ANCAP rating.
From August 2025, Swifts supplied down under align with those offered in Europe, lifting their rating to three stars.
“ANCAP’s role as consumer advocate is to hold manufacturers to account and, when safety deficiencies are seen, push for improvements that help prevent deaths and reduce serious injuries,” adds Hoorweg. “Suzuki and MG have taken steps in the right direction.
“Prospective buyers should consider the safety needs of their household, and use ratings and information available on ANCAP’s website to help inform their decisions.”
A spokesperson for MG says: “MG is committed to continuing to improve safety across our range of wherever possible.
“We’re proud to see the MG3 receive a higher safety rating. Our team has worked to improve the safety of this model and ensure it was retested. We have taken ANCAP’s testing results and feedback on-board, and will incorporate this information into future models.”
