The IS scored 91 percent for adult occupant protection, 85 percent for child occupant protection, 80 percent for pedestrian protection and 66 percent for safety assist performance. Together these results secured an overall five-star commendation.

The new Auris hatch fared even better with scores of 92 percent for adult occupant protection, 84 percent for child occupant protection, 68 percent for pedestrian protection and 66 percent for safety assist features.

Last, but not least, is the all-new Rav4, introduced locally a few months ago. The Rav4 is the first SUV to score the maximum five stars under the stricter 2013 conditions. The test mule, equivalent to a South African spec 2.2-litre D-4D GX, scored 89 percent for adult occupant protection, 82 percent for child occupant protection, 66 percent for pedestrian protection and 66 percent for safety assist features.