EuroNCAP crash test results issued this week show how new car safety is improving, particularly for pedestrians, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Of the three models tested, both the Honda FR-V people carrier and new Suzuki Swift achieved three stars for pedestrian-friendly design.

The new Peugeot 1007 supermini won the highest-ever combined NCAP score on measures that assess occupant (five stars), child (three stars) and pedestrian safety (two stars).

“These results demonstrate the industry-wide commitment to improving new car safety”, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

“However, delivering safer cars is not just about performing well in crash tests. Preventing a crash is more important than limiting its impact, and we need to encourage more focus on the investment made in active safety systems. Technologies like stability and traction control systems, assisted braking and parking sensors are fitted as standard to a growing army of new models.”