SWEDISH car maker Volvo has cemented its reputation as the leader in automotive safety with its new XC60 SUV ‘acing' the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests.

Not only was the XC60 one of several new models which achieved top 5 Star ratings in the safety checks, it also exceeded standards.

"The new Volvo XC60 has aced the exacting test protocols," said Matthew Avery director of research at Thatcham Research, which is part of the NCAP evaluation.

"It's exceedingly rare for a vehicle to score so favourably across the board. The adult occupant protection result for the Volvo XC60 is one of the best on record. But it's in active safety that Volvo is really maintaining its lead. The XC60's standard-fit safety technologies are excellent - or rather those that we were able to test, as its Turn Across Path and Run off Road systems are not yet a feature of the Euro NCAP programme. That's how high the Volvo XC60 is above the bar set by Euro NCAP."

The Volvo XC60's Safety Assist score of 95 per cent, is 40 per cent above the average for cars tested this year, with the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system scoring maximum points when tested at motorway speeds, as well as successfully avoiding collisions at all test speeds and in all scenarios.

In the latest round of Euro NCAP tests, the new VW Polo was also evaluated in October, offering a late challenge to the SEAT Ibiza, Thatcham Research's supermini safety choice of 2017 so far.

Avery said: "It's great to see the VW Polo, a likely top seller not only performing so well in impact testing, but also coming off the forecourt with standard-fit AEB and Lane Assist systems."

The remaining vehicles tested in October were all SUVs, continuing the trend for strong safety performers in the category.

The Citroen C3 Aircross, Vauxhall Crossland X, VW T-Roc, Skoda Karoq and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross all achieved Euro NCAP 5 star ratings. However, theAircross and the Crossland do not come with standard-fit AEB systems.

The SEAT Arona, which is structurally almost identical to the SEAT Ibiza rated earlier in 2017 by Euro NCAP and has the same fitment of safety equipment, was also awarded the maximum Euro NCAP 5 star rating.