The Modus, now on sale at Renault dealerships, has become the first small car to achieve a maximum five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests, making it the safest vehicle in its class.

Post-test analysis by EuroNCAP inspectors showed the Modus’ structure crumpled to absorb the impact, preventing intrusion into the passenger cabin. The car’s safety systems include anti-submarining protection, double pre-tensioning front seatbelts, two side curtain airbags, two front side airbags and two twin-stage front airbags.

The achievement also makes Modus the seventh vehicle in Renault’s range to achieve the highest result, alongside the Espace, Vel Satis, Laguna II, Scenic II, Megane II and Megane CC.

Jacque Faure, Renault’s head of passive safety, comments: “Modus’ performance is particularly satisfying as it’s more difficult to protect the occupants of a small car.”