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EuroNCAP, the organisation which crash tests new cars and awards them safety ratings, has revealed the safest new cars of 2010.

Last year EuroNCAP crash tested 29 new cars, with just 65 per cent achieving the maximum five-star rating.

The previous year this figure was 90 per cent, but the tests were tightened up in 2010 because so many cars were getting maximum ratings.

For a car to achieve a five-star rating it must now have anti-skid electronic stability programme (ESP) fitted as standard. It must also be as pedestrian-friendly as possible - until last year the tests were more focused on occupant protection.

The five best performing cars of 2010 were:
• Executive: BMW 5 Series
• Small Family: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
• Supermini: Honda CR-Z
• Small 4x4: Kia Sportage
• Small MPV: Toyota Verso

These cars came top because they achieved good results in the four areas which make up the test procedure, namely adult, child and pedestrian protection along with standard safety features.

Also highly recommended were:
• BMW X1
• Citroen C4
• Kia Venga
• Suzuki Swift
• VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra

At the bottom of the table were the Citroen Nemo with just three stars and the Landwind CV9 which managed just two. But the Landwind, built in China, isn't sold in the UK.

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