ANCAP: 5-Star Safety For FX, Sorento, Santa Fe, Outlander And DS4

A new round of crash testing has seen the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) hand down 5-Star safety ratings to five new models in the local market. 

The new scores are based on the analysis of Euro NCAP testing, which shares largely identical criteria with the local program.

Four SUVs and a high-riding hatch have been awarded, including Kia's largely brand-new Sorento, the Infiniti FX, Hyundai's new Santa Fe, the new Mitsubishi Outlander and Citroen's DS4. 

The Santa Fe and Outlander - the two newest models in the group - achieved the highest scores, taking 35.63 and 35.58 respectively out a possible 37 points.

Both scored a maximum 16 points in the side impact test, as did the Infiniti FX.

The top scores round out a strong year for new-car safety, with 39 vehicles achieving ANCAP 5-Star ratings, and a further eight models getting a 4-Star score.

SUVs aren't the only winners in 2012, however. Recent 5-Star ANCAP ratings have included Volkswagen's diminutive Up city car, the full Opel line-up, Holden's Colorado pickup and Subaru's BRZ sports coupe.

No cars were given a 1- or 2-Star rating in 2012, and only the ageing Mahindra Pik-Up was given a 3-Star rating.

• ANCAP | Crash Safety | Family Cars | SUVs