Nissan’s new X-trail SUV was awarded four stars out of a maximum five for adult, as well as child, occupant protection by the Euro NCAP.

Euro NCAP was disappointed by the X-trail’s adult occupant performance and expected it to get five stars, but sang its praises when it came to child occupant protection.

Euro NCAP said: "This car is amongst one of Euro NCAP’s highest performers in child occupant protection, it is then disappointing that this car achieved an unremarkable four stars in adult occupant protection."

Like many other manufacturers, Nissan struggled with the tough pedestrian protection rating, scoring just two stars.

Euro NCAP’s comments:

Front impact
The passenger compartment remained stable during the impact. Protection of the driver's neck was rated as 'weak' because of the extent to which it was bent backwards in the test. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.

Side impact
The X-Trail scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests.

Child-protection
Maximum points were scored for the protection of the three year old, based on dummy responses in the frontal and side impacts. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.

Pedestrian protection
The front edge of the bonnet scored no points for its protection of pedestrians' legs. The bonnet offered predominantly poor protection to adults' heads.