Trio score five-star ratings
The new MG 7 and GWM Haval H7 have scored five-star safety ratings from ANCAP after being put through a series of tests, although the latter is now the subject of a voluntary recall.
The organisation has also lifted the rating of newly-built MG ZS vehicles to five stars after a safety upgrade.
The MG 7, pictured, achieved its top rating after performing well in crash testing and being equipped with a comprehensive range of standard active safety technologies. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection, and a driver monitoring system, supporting protection for occupants and other road users in a wide range of driving scenarios.
Meanwhile, the MG ZS was issued with a four-star safety rating in December 2024 but this has been increased for Australian and New Zealand vehicles built from December 4, 2025, after a centre airbag to minimise occupant injury in far-side impact crashes was added.
This specification change boosted the small SUV’s adult occupant protection score to 81% and its overall rating to five stars.
Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP chief executive officer, says: “ANCAP encourages safety improvements from all manufacturers as part of their ongoing design updates, and MG should be commended for proactively making improvements to the ZS.”
Head restraint issue
GWM’s Haval H7 demonstrated sound performance across crash protection and crash avoidance assessments.
ANCAP says the Haval H7 provided stable occupant protection in frontal and side impact scenarios, with good protection recorded for most critical body regions for front seat occupants, and strong results in side impact testing.
Performance across child occupant protection and safety assist assessment areas was also consistent with five-star requirements.
However, during the full-width frontal crash test an anomaly was observed involving the dislodgement of the driver’s head restraint from the seat back.
ANCAP notes GWM has initiated a voluntary safety recall in response to the identification of this issue, which applies to all Haval H7 vehicles sold in Australia.
Hoorweg adds: “Ensuring the integrity and performance of fundamental restraint systems is central to ANCAP’s mission. Where our testing reveals unexpected results we work with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure the best safety outcomes for existing and future owners.
“GWM has done the right thing and initiated a voluntary recall on affected vehicles. We encourage all existing Haval H7 owners to visit their local dealership and have the recall action completed.”
ANCAP’s safety rating for the Haval H7 applies only to vehicles built from October 15, 2025. For vehicles built before this date, the rating will only apply where the recall action has been completed.
