To qualify as a top achiever, a car must be awarded a high combined score based on the scores in each of the individual four areas of Euro NCAP's assessment, whilst also exceeding the thresholds for a five-star overall rating.

• Executive category: BMW 5 Series

• Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

• Supermini category: Honda CR-Z

• Small off-road 4_4 category: Kia Sportage

• Small MPV category: Toyota Verso 

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: 'Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle. The presence in these categories of high performing 5 star cars demonstrates car manufacturers' commitment to safety for all sizes of vehicles.'

In addition to the top five achievers, the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1, VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra, Citroen C4 all exceeded the 80% mark in overall score, putting them on the list of best-performing cars of 2010.

It added that the poorest results of 2010 were achieved by the Citroen Nemo with three stars and by the Landwind CV9, which received only two stars. 

The full list of cars tested in 2010 is published on the website at www.euroncap.com