Honda’s new Civic has achieved five stars in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.

The ninth generation family hatchback achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment.

The new Civic scored well in safety assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology rewarded by Euro NCAP Advanced in 2010.

Eight cars assessed last year also meet the more stringent requirements for five stars in 2012.

Euro NCAP has re-issued the five star rating for 2012 for the following vehicles: BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, Ford Focus, Ford Ranger, Mercedes M Class, Nissan LEAF, Subaru XV and Volvo V60.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the recently refreshed Jeep Compass which only achieved a two star safety rating and was “underachieving in most areas of the assessment”.

The compact SUV was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test.

In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23%.

Euro NCAP said: “Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe, but the Jeep Compass did not demonstrate itself as a strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category.”

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: ‘The results published today show clearly that a five star these days means a lot more than a five star some years ago.

“Many carmakers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets. Consumers interested in a fair comparison will not be fooled by these results.”

Honda Civic Euro NCAP video

Jeep Compass Euro NCAP video