Euro NCAP has released fresh safety ratings for seven new vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW Z4 and Audi A1 Sportback.

All three scored five stars apiece, as did the other four vehicles evaluated in this latest round of testing: the Ford Focus (which is no longer on the cards for South Africa), Mercedes-Benz EQC, Škoda Kamiq and SsangYong Korando.

Euro NCAP said the new CLA achieved an “outstanding” result, scoring more than 90 percent in three of the four areas of safety assessed. BMW’s Z4 roadster, meanwhile, scored well all-round, although the safety authority made special mention of its “impressive” protection of vulnerable road users (thanks to an active bonnet). The organisation added Audi's A1 Sportback “also performed well in safety tests”, thanks in part to “Audi Pre Sense Front” (the standard AEB system).

“It’s great to see this continued commitment to improved safety. From these results, achieving five stars may look so easy, but to meet test and fitment requirements for technology are very demanding and always updated to incorporate the latest technology development and address priorities in road safety,” said Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen.

“Next year will see another step-change in our rating requirements but our experience shows that manufacturers will be keen to maintain the high standards they have achieved so far, and that European consumers will continue to be well served,” he added.

Watch the three crash-test videos below…

Original article from Car