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The Nissan Juke hatchback has been awarded the top five-star crash test safety rating by Euro NCAP, Europe's recognised safety watchdog for the motoring industry.

It is good news for many new owners, as the Juke is proving to be a sales sensation with many families across the UK.

Adult occupant protection was scored at 87 per cent (three per cent better than the MINI Countryman), while child occupant protection was awarded 81 per cent. Euro NCAP praised the fact a skid-preventing electronic stability programme (ESP) and front occupant seatbelt reminders are fitted as standard.

But, whiplash protection resulting from rear impacts was only described as marginal, as was safety to knees from dashboard intrusion.

The Mitsubishi ASX was also awarded five-stars, with a score of 86 per cent for adult occupant protection and 78 per cent for child occupants. Whiplash protection was again described as marginal, as was protection to feet and ankles, while the rest of the car performed to Euro NCAP's highest standards.

Euro NCAP has also awarded four-star ratings to the first electric vehicles tested, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero, which all share the same body structure.

The Hyundai ix20 has not been crash tested, but has been given the same five-star crash rating as the Kia Venga, owing to it being mechanically identical and sharing the same safety equipment.

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