ANCAP, Australasia's independent vehicle safety authority, has revealed its top performing vehicles for 2018 - the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Acadia.
"In 2018 we introduced tough new test and assessment protocols, streamlining standards across Australia, New Zealand and Europe," said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin.
"These top performers clearly demonstrate that vehicle brands, through ANCAP's influence, are continuing to strive for the highest levels of crash protection and crash prevention."
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class achieved the highest overall score of the twelve vehicles rated by ANCAP in 2018 with a score of 89.6%.
"The new A-Class was a standout in terms of overall safety performance," said Mr Goodwin.
It achieved the highest Vulnerable Road User Protection rating and equalled the highest Child Occupant Protection rating."
Second overall, the Toyota Corolla hatch made a significant step forward, leading as the top rated passenger car with a score of 87.4%.
"The safety improvements provided in this latest generation Corolla are remarkable, and highlights that top safety performance is accessible and affordable," said Mr Goodwin.
The Holden Acadia rounds out ANCAP's top three as the highest overall scoring sports utility vehicle (SUV) at 87%.
"Not only does the Acadia provide good protection for occupants in physical crashworthiness testing, it is fitted with a range of active safety systems which performed very well in preventing or reducing the severity of crashes with pedestrians and cyclists," Mr Goodwin added.
A full list of vehicles rated by ANCAP in 2018 can be viewed at www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings or via the ANCAP Safety app.