The range-extender EV gained an overall rating of five stars and reached the maximum points in the side pole test as a result of a well optimized balance of structure, interior and restraint system.

A further nine cars were also tested in the latest Euro NCA results, with all bar one getting five-star results. Only the Kia Picanto received an overall rating of 4 stars, with Euro NCAP highlighting that the new Picanto is not fitted with Electronic Stability Control as standard across the model range. However, the carmaker has responded by highlighting that all versions sold in the UK come with ESC as standard.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: ‘Proven safety benefits of ESC resulted in new legislation requiring the technology to be fitted as standard on all new models in Europe as of next year. In 2011, consumers should expect this critical safety equipment to be part of any offering regardless of car size or price.’

The latest results also included five-star results for the Audi A6, BMW X3, Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, Citroen DS5, Hyundai i40, VW Golf Cabriolet and Jetta.

However, while many of the cars impressed in the areas of adult and child occupant protection, Euro NCAP says that pedestrian protection scores are generally still lagging behind. The Opel Ampera, Audi A6 and Citroen DS5 only just meet the organisation’s 2011 pedestrian requirements for a five-star rating but none of the cars in this release would meet the more stringent five-star requirement of 60% coming into effect in 2012.

Euro NCAP also emphasised the importance of the advanced safety systems being offered on more and more models, such as Citroen’s DS5, which is fitted with the Citroen Localized Emergency Call technology that was recognised in 2010 under Euro NCAP Advanced. Likewise, the new BMW X3 comes with the awarded Advanced eCall, a system that is able to automatically notify emergency services providing critical details of the crash event.

In addition, Euro NCAP is also granting a “Euro NCAPAdvanced” award to  Mazda’s Rear Vehicle Monitoring system (RVM), which is available on the Mazda3. The technology detects and warns the driver of an approaching vehicle and helps to avoid common lane change related crashes involving two or more vehicles. Euro NCAP will be presenting the award at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next month.