SUV scores top rating

ANCAP has awarded five-star safety ratings to the new-generation MG HS and Chery’s Omoda E5.

The HS’ autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performed well with its standout area of performance being car-to-motorcycle functionality, where full points were scored for AEB and lane-support test scenarios involving a motorcycle. 

The MG is fitted with an AEB system that can detect pedestrians when reversing. However, its overall performance was marginal.

The HS scored 90 per cent for adult-occupant protection. This was achieved by scoring full points in the side impact, oblique pole, whiplash protection and far-side impact tests. 

A score of 87 per cent was achieved for child-occupant protection with all critical body regions rated as good. 

Vulnerable road-user protection also scored well with the MG HS achieving a score of 83 per cent. Strong scores were recorded for the femur, knee and tibia body regions in physical pedestrian impact testing. 

“The previous generation MG HS achieved a five-star result against 2019 criteria,” says Carla Hoorweg, pictured, ANCAP’s chief executive officer. 

“Our protocols have been upgraded twice since then, so it is positive to see MG continue to invest in the safety of the HS.”

Battery-electric variants of Chery’s Omoda 5 – the E5 – have also chalked up a top rating. This rating mirrors the rating previously awarded to petrol variants of the 5 when tested in 2022. 

The E5 carries through the five-star rating following the conduct of additional tests including frontal offset and oblique-pole crash tests, which were undertaken to confirm its safety performance and the integrity of its high-voltage battery.

Hoorweg says: “This five-star rating for the E5 will be a welcome addition to the shopping lists of consumers and fleets in the market for a five-star EV.”