Euro NCAP has released its latest safety ratings, with Volvo’s recently launched S90 and V90 models scoring a maximum five-star rating while Ford’s European Mustang model scored just two. 

S90 and V90 models scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The crash safety organisation said both Volvos had made a big impression in all areas of its assessment. Standard-fit autonomous emergency braking for cars and pedestrians performed outstandingly well in Euro NCAP’s tests and the vehicles also offer lane and speed assistance.

It added that the S90 and V90 results surpass the best overall score of any model tested last year and mean that Euro NCAP’s top three best performing cars ever are all Volvos.

In contrast, Ford’s new Mustang scored a two-star rating for overall safety, marking the first time this rating has been given to a top 10 car brand since 2008.

In response, Euro NCAP highlighted concerns about its crash protection of adult and child occupants and a “worrying” lack of safety equipment commonly available on the European market.

Matthew Avery, director of research at Euro NCAP accredited crash testing centre, Thatcham Research, said: “What really concerns me is that Ford has made a deliberate choice. The car has been designed to score well in less wide-ranging US consumer safety tests and only minor updates have been made to meet required European (pedestrian) safety regulations. This has resulted in poor adult and child protection scores and the high-tech radar collision warning system that is available to US consumers, not being available here in the UK. The two-star Euro NCAP rating is the consequence.”

He added that Ford says a facelifted Mustang will be available later this year with Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keep Assist as standard. Euro NCAP expects to test the safety of this updated model when it is available on the European market.