The new Hyundai Tucson achieved the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety results.

The new generation compact SUV achieved high scores in all areas of assessment. When compared to its predecessortested in 2006, Euro NCAP said the new Tuscon showed a “worthy evolution” in terms of safety all-round, and more specifically in safety assist.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology is offered as option on the Tucson but it was not included in the rating as the uptake is not expected to be high enough.

Other cars tested included the new Vauxhall Viva which and Mazda MX-5, both scoring four stars.

Euro NCAP said four stars for the Viva was “commendable for a car in this segment”. However, the safety organisation said: “In the frontal offset test, the head bottomed out the airbag and in the side pole impact the chest was protected poorly.

Chest protection offered to the rear small female passenger dummy in the latest full-width rigid barrier test was also weak while the driver slipped under the seatbelt, resulting in elevated risk at knee and femur injuries.

Four stars it is, but perhaps with better optimised restraint systems the Viva would have made a bigger impression.”

The Mazda MX-5 also achieved a four star rating, as did its competitor Audi TT tested earlier this year.

Euro NCAP said: "The Mazda combined good all-round performance in crash tests with exceptional pedestrian protection thanks to the deployable bonnet fitted as standard. However, like for the TT, the fitment of the latest crash avoidance technology was felt to be unnecessary by Mazda for the fourth generation roadster.

"In particular the absence of AEB disappoints as many similarly-priced cars in other segments offer this safety equipment at least as option."