The best in class of 2012 recommended by Euro NCAP for their outstanding safety performance are: Renault Clio supermini, Volvo V40 small family car, Ford B-MAX small MPV, Fiat 500L small MPV, Ford Kuga small off-road 4x4, Hyundai Santa Fe large off-road 4x4, BMW 3 Series large family car, and the Ford Transit, business/family van.
The Fiat 500L and Ford B-MAX share the Best in Class honour in the Small MPV category. The Volvo V40 reached the highest combined score of any car previously tested by Euro NCAP. While 26 5-star cars were released, one model achieved four stars and eight received three stars.
The test body said last year's under-performers were the Jeep Compass and Renault Trafic, each of which was only able to score two stars against the latest set of requirements.
The Ford Transit is the first van to achieve a Euro NCAP five star overall rating and to receive the best in class honour. Runners-up in this new category are the FIAT Scudo and its twins, the Citroen Jumpy and Peugeot Expert, all of which received three stars.
The next results from Euro NCAP will be released on 5 March 2013.
