FIVE-star safety ratings have been given to two new SUVs in the latest series of tests by Euro NCAP.

The Mazda CX-80 and the new Subaru Forester were both praised in the evaluations for their adult and child safety.

Both new vehicles are due for release in the UK early in 2025.

The CX-80 also scored an impressive 84 per cent in the Vulnerable Road Users category. The autonomous emergency braking system's (AEB) response to pedestrians both in front and to the rear of the car was good, as was its performance in tests of its reaction to cyclists, including protection against ‘dooring' - where a door is suddenly opened in the patch of a cyclist approaching from behind.

The Forester registered scores exceeding the required threshold in all four key assessment areas, Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assistance.

All Subaru models in the UK have now attained Euro NCAP five-star status, following the Subaru Crosstrek attaining its five-star status in September 2024.

For the Vulnerable Road Users assessment area, the Forester attained the maximum points for AEB Cyclist and Lane Support Motorcyclists. The system's performance in the detection of, and reaction to, cyclists and motorcyclists was good across all tested scenarios.