Unsurprisingly, of the twelve vehicles whose crash test results were released today by Euro NCAP, eight of them were awarded with a maximum of five stars. Euro NCAP's top scorers for adult occupant protection in this release were the Alfa Romeo Mito, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 308CC, Volkswagen Golf VI, Renault Megane, Honda Accord, Opel Insignia and the Volvo XC60. Oddly enough, and even though the new Ford Ka shares the same platform and mechanics with the Fiat 500 which has obtained a five-star rating, Ford's mini was awarded with four stars.

Even worse for Ford, the Ranger pickup received a two star rating for adult occupant protection, with Euro NCAP stating that the result "underlines the lack of emphasis given by most manufacturers to the safety of cars in this category". However, we must note that Ford's new Fiesta hatchback managed to pull out a three-star rating from a maximum of four stars in pedestrian protection which is one of the highest scores in this test.

As for the Renault group's Dacia Sandero, fitted with the basic level of equipment it scored a mediocre three stars in adult occupant protection whilst the car with the optional safety pack, scored the equivalent of four stars - apparently the Renault Group's focus in safety begins and ends with the Renault and Nissan vehicles.

Euro NCAP believes that this is probably the last time we see so many manufacturers achieving five-star scores as it will introduce a revised rating system in February next year that will include a single overall star rating rather than the current system of three categories.

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP says: "It is clear that Euro NCAP's new rating scheme in 2009 will offer a more discriminating view of the overall safety performance of today's best-selling vehicles and give customers the opportunity to prioritize and maximize the safety options on their vehicles."