The Chinese built Qoros 3 was the best performer of any car subjected to Euro NCAP’s crash tests in 2013 and is the first vehicle developed in China to achieve the highest five star rating under the overall rating scheme.

Each year, Euro NCAP identifies the models tested that have achieved the highest scores in their respective class. In 2013, a total of 33 cars were tested in 7 different categories. The top achievers gained the highest overall scores, calculated from the results achieved in adult, child, pedestrian protection and safety assist tests.

The Qoros scored highly in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests and its overall score (88%).

Volker Steinwascher, vice chairman of Qoros, said: “The Euro NCAP result demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we have achieved with the Qoros 3.

“Reaching these very challenging world-class standards – not just in safety, but in every attribute of the car – was an objective from the very beginning and it is very satisfying to gain recognition for our endeavours.”

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: ‘Euro NCAP is continuously evolving in response to industry innovation and consumer expectation. It is very positive that the number of 4 and 5 stars is still significant despite of the ever increasing requirements.

“In 2014, another big step forward is taken by adding crash avoidance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning tests to the overall star rating.”

The supermini electric car Renault ZOE and the large family car Lexus IS 300h were the all-round performers of the electric/hybrid cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2013.

This year, the best in class honour in the small MPV category is shared by the Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect.

The Jeep Cherokee and the Maserati Ghibli also were best in class for  small off-road 4X4 and executive categories respectively.