The Toyota iQ has been awarded five-stars for its overall protection performance in the latest Euro NCAP safety test.
British-built big brother, the new Avensis, also earned a five-star rating.
The new rating scheme uses a weighted score, combining all aspects of a car’s safety performance: adult (50%), child (20%) and pedestrian (20%) protection assessment results with the availability of driver assistance devices (10%).
A minimum score of 70% overall is necessary to achieve a five-star rating, the iQ scored 79%. To qualify for inclusion, the devices must be fitted, as standard across 85% of the EU 2009 model range.
Every iQ features as standard, nine airbags – including a rear window curtain shield airbag, anti-lock Brakes (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control.
The new Avensis got an overall weighted score of 81% and was also rewarded five-stars in the Euro NCAP test.