The MG GS SUV - produced by SAIC Motor - has become the first Chinese-built vehicle to achieve a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
The medium-sized SUV increased its safety rating from 4 to 5 stars after a specification upgrade, resulting in a stronger performance in ANCAP's side impact pole test.
“We initially assessed this model earlier this year and saw that while structurally it offered sound levels of occupant protection, its safety specification did not meet what is now expected as a minimum for a 5 star car,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Goodwin.
“MG must be commended for upgrading this model and this achievement raises the bar for other similar brands entering the very competitive Australian new vehicle fleet.”
The GS scored the highest possible result in the side impact test, with top marks for head, chest, abdomen and pelvis protection - and top marks for head/neck and upper leg protection in the frontal offset test.
Overall, the MG GS scored 34.47 out of 37 in combined testing segments.
The 5 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all MG GS models built from August 2017.
The GS will be the third MG model available in the New Zealand lineup behind the MG3 hatchback and MG6 sedan.