The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Vauxhall Insignia, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Arteon have been awarded a maximum Euro NCAP five-star safety rating.

Honda’s new Civic has received four stars, and Ford’s muscle-car, the Mustang, gets three stars in its latest form.

The Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highest-scoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date.

Stelvio, did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection, with a near-perfect 97% score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

The Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment.  Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza’s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a five-star rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: “The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all.

"It is to Seat's credit that they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”

In the small family car category, the  i30 gets five stars with good performance across the board. The Civic is let down by lower-than-expected protection offered to children, but is still rated as a solid four star car.

Earlier this year, the Mustang scored two stars in Euro NCAP testing. 

Ford has responded by making AEB and Lane Assistance standard on its facelifted model and has introduced improvements on its frontal airbags.  With these changes, the latest Mustang on sale has reached three stars.

Michiel van Ratingen, “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford. 

"While a three-star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”

Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, added: “Our advice to buyers is to always opt for a Euro NCAP five-star car, so a three-star Euro NCAP rating is never a cause for celebration.

"However, Ford’s rapid addition of a suite of standard-fit safety tech and its prompt updates to improve the performance of the airbags and restraints is to be applauded and underlines the power of the Euro NCAP consumer testing programme as a force for positive action.

"We will continue to apply pressure on carmakers to ensure UK drivers have the safest possible cars.”

Dougie McColm, Vauxhall’s brand manager - Insignia, said: "The five-star rating from Euro NCAP helps to demonstrate the design and innovation that can be found throughout the new Insignia, making it one of the safest models in its class.

“The latest technologies included within the new Insignia work together to provide ultimate safety, not only for the car’s driver and passengers, but also for other road users and pedestrians.”

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