THREE new car models crash tested in 2018 have been given top best safety in class awards by Euro NCAP.

The winners were the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the stand out performer among small family cars, which also achieved this year's overall best result; the Lexus ES, the best all-round performer in the large family car category; and the Hyundai NEXO the best of the large off-roaders.

The Lexus ES also claimed Euro NCAP's new award for best performing hybrid or electric car in the 2018 season of safety testing.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said: "In 2018 we introduced tough new tests, with a particular focus on vulnerable road user protection.

"The three best in class award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car-makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP's assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements."

He went on: "Euro NCAP put automated driving technology to the test in 2018 for the first time and our findings helped clarify some of the confusion motoring consumers are currently experiencing.

"Assisted driving systems can bring safety and convenience benefits but full automation is a long way off. We will follow and assess these developments closely and ensure that consumers have all the information they need when considering these new driver technologies."

Euro NCAP organizes crash tests on new vehicles and provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Established in 1997 and backed by several European governments, motoring, consumer and insurance organizations, Euro NCAP is seen as a catalyst for encouraging significant safety improvements to new car design.