The Citroën C4 Picasso and the Honda CR-V have both achieved the maximum five star overall rating following crash testing by Euro NCAP.

The Citroen scored 86% for adult safety, 88% for child, 68% for pedestrian and an 81% safety assist score, judged on assessments of in car technology.

The only negative comment was on pedestrian safety: "The protection provided to the head of a struck pedestrian was poor along the base of the windscreen and on the windscreen pillars but was otherwise largely good or adequate."

The Honda's equivalent scores were 93%, 74%, 68% and 66%. Euro NCAP said of its driver-set speed limitation device, that "it is not expected to be sold in sufficient numbers to qualify for assessment by Euro NCAP".

Euro NCAP also gave an 'advanced reward' for the Mitsubishi 'forward collision mitigation' system, available on the Mitsubishi Outlander tested in 2012 (five-star rating), and the Fiat 'city brake control' available as an option on the Panda and 500L.

The Mitsubishi system uses a radar behind the front grille to detect objects up to around 200 metres ahead, giving visual and audio warnings and braking pressure is increased ahead of the driver applying the brakes. If the driver doesn't respond they are applied automatically.

The Fiat system involves a sensor at the top of the windscreen to monitor an area 10 - 12m ahead and applies brake pressure in a similar way.