CRASH safety watchdog Euro Ncap has released its first batch of safety ratings for 2021, with two new models achieving top marks.
The electric Polestar 2 and the Cupra Formentor were awarded the maximum five stars, with both scoring particularly highly for adult and child occupant protection.
Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro Ncap, said: "We are now a year on from when Covid became a global pandemic and the car industry has had a torrid 12 months.
"Sales are down and car-makers are having to find ways to cut costs and maximise profits.
"Euro Ncap is here to ensure that safety is not compromised, and it is rewarding that these two brands should place it high on their agendas."
Mr van Ratingen said that safety was now "central to manufacturers' strategies".
"They know that it is an area where consumers will not accept a drop in standards," he said.
The Euro Ncap star rating is derived from how well a car performs in four different categories - adult occupant safety, child safety, protecting vulnerable road users and safety assistance technology.
The Polestar 2 scored 92 per cent, 89 per cent, 80 per cent and 86 per cent in the categories, with the Formentor scoring 93 per cent, 88 per cent, 68 per cent and 80 per cent.
Euro Ncap has also awarded ratings to two new models which are based on existing cars.
The Renault Arkana, a coupe-meets-SUV mash-up, is based on the Captur so shares that car's five-star rating from the 2019 test.
Lexus has added an all-electric version to its UX range, and it shares the hybrid's 2019 five-star rating.
