Four new cars, ranging from an entry-level Korean compact through to a premium European sports sedan, have just been awarded five star crash test ratings by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

They are the latest Holden Spark, Kia Sportage, Jaguar XF and the Skoda Superb.

The new Holden Spark was introduced to the Australasian market in March 2016 and this rating applies to all variants.

"The updated Spark is a big improvement on the model it replaces, but it is lacking in more advanced safety features such as a lane support system which was standard on its European counterpart," ANCAP CEO James Goodwin said.

The Kia Sportage was introduced to the competitive New Zealand mid-sized SUV market in January 2016, with the 5-star rating covering all variants.

"The Sportage performed well in testing and includes emergency brake assist, hill launch assist and reversing collision avoidance as standard but unfortunately Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is only offered on the most expensive variant," Goodwin said.

The Jaguar XF became available in Australasia early this year, offering a suite of safety features as standard. The 5-star rating covers all variants.

"The XF has a high standard of safety features buyers would expect in this sort of vehicle, including AEB City and Interurban. It scored the highest pedestrian rating of 'Good' and is fitted with an active bonnet," Goodwin said.

The Skoda Superb was introduced in March 2016 and the 5-star rating covers all two-wheel-drive variants,including the Combi (wagon).

"The updated Superb introduced a driver knee airbag as standard and also has AEB City and Interurban, along with numerous other safety assist technologies," he said.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.