The new Range Rover Velar is the latest vehicle from the SUV category to gain a five star Euro NCAP safety rating.

It was scored at 93% for adult occupant, 85% for child occupant, 74% for pedestrian and 72% for safety assist.

Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, said: “Modern SUVs perform consistently well in impact testing, particularly for adult occupant protection.

"The Velar however not only performs well in a crash – especially in Euro NCAP’s exacting side impact test – but also in active safety, with its suite of standard-fit technologies designed to avoid the crash happening at all.”

The Velar’s 75% score for assisted safety features is seven percentage points above average for the SUVs tested since January 2016.

Advanced driver assistance systems fitted to the Velar as standard include interurban autonomous emergency braking, an sdaptive dpeed limiter, lane departure warnings and seat-belt reminders for all passengers.

Avery added: “Following five-star ratings for the Discovery and Discovery Sport, this is another signal from Jaguar Land Rover that safety is a priority.

"The Velar has reviewed positively and will undoubtedly be a popular car. With small SUV sales set to break the two million barrier in 2018, it’s exciting to see one of the leading carmakers in the category deliver on standard-fit active safety systems."

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, added: “Twenty years on from when Euro NCAP started, it’s encouraging to see a competitive safety environment still working.

"All of the SUVs we have tested in the last couple of years have had a five-star rating and the Velar is towards the top of the table in all areas of assessment.

"That’s great news for consumers, who are able to buy the kind of cars they like with the confidence that they offer high levels of protection.” 

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