For the first time a small family car, the Renault's Megane II, has achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP tests. Three other cars, the Saab 9-3, the Renault Vel Satis and the Mercedes E-class also achieved five stars. All three “five star” manufacturers have met the requirements of Euro NCAP's new seat belt reminder protocol. Euro NCAP's star rating is based on occupants wearing their seatbelts, thus seat belt reminder systems are vitally important.

In the latest tests pedestrian protection has improved overall but for the first time one car, the Suzuki Grand Vitara achieved no score.

Max Mosley, Euro NCAP chairman and President of the FIA said: “Whatever type of car you prefer to drive, whatever price you can afford, it's clear that there is now a wider choice of models than ever before offering stronger levels of protection.”

NCAP test results:

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Executive cars Occupant protection Pedestrian protection
Renault Vel Satis 5 stars 1 star
Family cars
Saab 9-3 5 stars 1 star
Nissan Primera 4 stars 1 star
Subaru Legacy Outback 4 stars 1 star
Chrysler PT Cruiser 3 stars 1 star
Small family cars
Renault Megane II 5 stars 2 stars
Toyota Corolla 4 stars 2 stars
Superminis
Citroen C3 4 stars 2 stars
Seat Ibiza 4 stars 2 stars
Ford Fiesta 4 stars 2 stars
Large off-roaders
Merc M Class 4 stars 1 star
Hyundai Santa-Fe 4 stars 1 star
Suzuki Grand Vitara 3 stars 0 stars
Small off-roaders
Nissan X trail 4 stars 2 start
Land Rover Freelander 3 stars 1 star
Large MPV
Peugeot 807 4 stars 1 star
Small MPV
Mercedes Vaneo 4 stars 2 stars