Brussels, Jan 6 (DPA) Ten new cars taken from all vehicle categories have been rated in the latest European NCAP crash test, with nine cars achieving all five possible stars, the organisation announced.
The top scorers with five star results are the BMW X1, Chevrolet Cruze, Citroen DS3, Infiniti FX, Mazda 3, Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes GLK, Opel Astra, Peugeot 5008 and the Volkswagen Scirocco.

According to the NCAP, the Chevrolet Spark received only four of the five star rating because Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not fitted as standard on any variant. In contrast ESC is fitted as standard in all variants in the other cars.

The Chevrolet Cruze, the Opel Astra and the Volkswagen Scirocco were lauded because all have seats and head restraints that offer good whiplash protection.

The Citroen DS3, Infiniti FX, Peugeot 5008 and the Mercedes GLK have driver controlled speed limitation systems fitted as standard or soon to be introduced as standard.

“These systems greatly assist the driver in maintaining the safest speed according to the driving environment,” the organisation said.