The latest results of crash tests completed under the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) have been released. Most of the popular models tested received a five-star rating for occupant protection, but this could be the last season where that is the case.

Twelve vehicles were rated in the latest round of tests and eight came away with the prized five-star score. The lowest ranking went to the Ford Ranger pick-up, which was awarded just two stars for adult occupant protection. Next lowest - with three stars - was the Dacia Sandero, which attracted criticism for not providing a full range of safety equipment on every model in the range. The highest rated cars were the Ford Fiesta, VW Golf VI and Honda Accord, all of which scored five stars for adult occupant protection, four stars for child occupant safety and three stars for preventing pedestrian injury.

For the first time a method of rating the probability of whiplash injuries has been added to the programme. The results make sobering reading as 80% of seats are likely to offer inadequate protection. The best protection was provided by seats fitted to the Vauxhall Insignia, Volkswagen Golf, Volvo XC60, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A4. The worst performers included the Citroen C5, Ford Kuga and Peugeot 308CC. Those cars were awarded five stars for occupant protection but in future that rating will be reduced if whiplash protection is deemed insufficient.

Ratings for cars tested are released every quarter and the latest series of results are the last under the current ranking system. A new method of presenting the results, which should give an even better picture of the strengths and weaknesses of vehicles assessed, will be used when the next batch of ratings is revealed in February 2009. To view the full archive of test results go to www.euroncap.com.

John Lambert - 27 Nov 2008