BMW, Genesis, Mercedes, Nissan, Skoda and Volkswagen were all celebrating five-star Euro NCAP ratings as seven new cars scored strongly on safety in the latest round of crash tests.

Strong results for the BMW iX, Genesis’ G70 and GV70, the Mercedes-EQ EQS, the Nissan Qashqai, the Škoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Caddy came after the organisation slammed Renault for its zero-star result for the facelifted Zoe EV and one-star for the new Dacia Spring crossover.

Fiat’s new 500e EV city car and MG’s Marvel R earned four stars in the final tests of 2021.

Euro NCAP described the new Nissan Qashqai’s safety assistance systems and the Mercedes-EQS’s adult and child occupant protection as “stand-out performances”.

Michiel van Ratingen Secretary General of Euro NCAP, said: “Bravo to these manufacturers for giving consumers the levels of safety they have come to expect.