Citroen's C3 was the only car tested in the latest - and more stringent - round of EuroNCAP crash tests not to get the maximum five-star rating.

The C3 missed out on the highest rating as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is only available on some variants in the range and is not expected to be fitted as standard in sufficient numbers to qualify for points.

However, the C3 was praised for its driver-controlled speed limitation system, which comes as standard on some variants and as an option on others, which Euro NCAP rewarded during the safety assist assessment.

 "These systems greatly assist the driver to maintain the safest speed according to the driving
environment," said EuroNCAP.

The other seven cars in this round of EuroNCAP tests - the Honda Insight, Kia Sorento, Renault Grand Scenic, Skoda Yeti, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Prius 3 and the Volkswagen Polo - all received the highest five-star rating.

All of these seven cars have ESC fitted as standard across their model ranges, or will be standard equipment in the great majority of sales.

Two of the top-scorers were hybrids: the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius 3.

The latest results for the Insight and the Prius 3 show that good fuel economy need not
stand in the way of a high level of safety performance, said EuroNCAP, which also praised these hybrids for their impressive pedestrian scores that not only
fulfil Euro NCAP’s current five star requirements, but already meet the organisation’s
challenging 2012 targets.

Last year barely 25% of the cars tested achieved more than two stars for pedestrian protection.

However with the introduction of a new regulation in Europe this year and a stronger focus maintained by Euro NCAP, the tide is quickly
turning.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, EuroNCAP’s secretary general said: "Honda and Toyota are giving us a glimpse of the cars of the future that consider the natural and social environment in its entirety."