Vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP has granted top five-star ratings to a batch of new cars including the third generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV and the new Maxus MIFA 7 MPV.

Two electric cars from Chinese brand Zeekr, which isn't yet in the UK but is beginning sales in mainland Europe, also gained five-star ratings. 

However a Ford people carrier, the Tourneo Custom MPV, only achieved a three-star rating and the safety organisation said it is a disappointing result.

Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: "We believe that Ford will feel disappointed by this result, particularly given their recent efforts and commitment in improving the safety of its commercial van line-up – the Ford Transit Custom achieved our highest van rating of Platinum.

"The Tourneo Custom is highly equipped with active safety technologies, yet it is slightly let down by this performance."