FOUR more models have achieved top safety ratings in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests.
The Honda CR-Z, the Suzuki Swift, the Citroen C4 and the Hyundai ix35 were all awarded the maximum five star rating.
Euro NCAP said the results show that manufacturers are rising to the challenges of the new rating scheme and are continuing to make safety a priority.
The organisation said the Honda CR-Z demonstrates that good all round safety needs not be compromised by a fuel efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain: its pedestrian protection result continues the high scores achieved by recently tested Hondas.
Several manufacturers are expected to release fully electric vehicles in the near future and Euro NCAP is to test them to ensure that high safety standards are maintained, with the first results expected early in 2011.
From October, Euro NCAP will be introducing an advanced testing programme to take into account the latest safety systems such as electronic stability controls.
Three of the cars in the latest wave of tests had ESP as standard.
The Citroën C4 is offered with ESP as an option on the lowest specification in some countries but qualifies for five stars as sales of ESP as standard equipment are expected to far outstrip those of the optionally equipped car.
In the tests the Honda, Hyundai and Suzuki demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision, the Citroën C4 being the only one rated as marginal.
However, the C4 was the only car to be rewarded for an active, driver-set speed limitation device which assists drivers in maintaining a safe driving speed.