Mazda’s new CX-30, Mercedes-Benz GLB Class and Ford Explorer were all awarded five-star overall safety ratings as the new Vauxhall Corsa fell short in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests.

The new Mazda’s 99% score for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), which assesses the protection offered to driver and front-seat passenger in the event of a crash, was the highest ever achieved in Euro NCAP testing and maximum points were also awarded in full-width barrier, side impact and side pole tests.

Mercedes-Benz’s GLB crossover and the new Ford Explorer large SUV also scored five stars.

But the PSA Group’s new Vauxhall Corsa achieved a four-star Euro NCAP rating, with an 84% result for AOP and 69% in Safety Assist, missing out on a full five-star rating after points scored for its Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system were not counted due to the performance of its seat and head restraints in whiplash testing.

Commenting on the success of the new Mazda, Matthew Avery, director of insurance research at Thatcham Research, which conducts some of Euro NCAP’s crash tests, said: “This is a truly impressive result.

“The Mazda CX-30 is a mainstream vehicle, available at an affordable price point, performing at the highest level in impact testing. In the event of an accident, there are few safer places to be than the front seats of the Mazda CX-30.

“The structure of the vehicle and the performance of its restraints are key. Especially in the side pole test which encourages carmakers to fit side-curtain airbags to protect occupants’ heads in a collision.”

Avery said that the Vauxhall Corsa’s “solid four-stars” were “not a bad result” for the new hatchback, however.

He said: “Vauxhall will be disappointed to fall short of a five-star rating, which could have been achieved with greater focus on protecting passengers from whiplash injuries.

“Small cars are more likely to be involved in whiplash crashes, due to ‘run around’ town use and their lightweight structures. Both of these factors require high levels of whiplash protection in the front and rear.”

The Mercedes-Benz’s GLB has become the latest vehicle from the brand to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – continuing a run of success started in 2014.

“All models launched by Mercedes from 2014 onwards have been awarded five-star Euro NCAP ratings. There are few other carmakers who demonstrate such a consistently strong commitment to the safety of occupants and other road users,” said Avery.

Ford, meanwhile, has put a succession of three-star cars in 2017 (the Ford C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Ka+ and Mustang) well and truly behind it after following five-star success with its 2018 and 2019 Ford Focus and 2017 Ford Fiesta with a top rating for the new Explorer.

Avery said: “As one of the world’s biggest carmakers every Ford model should achieve a five-star rating. After some mixed results in previous years, it’s great to see the Ford Explorer take home a top Euro NCAP rating. This is proof-positive of the programme working as it should; a carmaker responding to Euro NCAP assessments and addressing specific issues identified in testing.”