The organisation said that the small family car showed good overall protection with high scores in all four areas of assessment and is a significant step up from previous Chinese exports tested by Euro NCAP. 

The 3 saloon achieved a 95% figure for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant, 77% for pedestrian safety and 81% for safety assist, giving an overall figure of 88%. Euro NCAP praised the passenger compartment for stability in the frontal impact, along with the seat and head restraint, which provided good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, said: 'It is pleasing to see that a new manufacturer like Qoros should place a high emphasis on safety and perform well in our tests. Manufacturers know that consumers are used to the highest levels of protection and that new cars will be scrutinised if they are put on sale in Europe.’

In addition, Euro NCAP reported results for the Kia Carens, which also received a five-star rating after getting a figure of 94% for adult occupant safety, 76% for child occupant, 64% for pedestrian and 81% for safety assist.