THE Nissan van line-up has had its safety credentials re-confirmed by Euro NCAP, after the organisation recently changed the way in which it ranks LCVs.

The compact Nissan Townstar - and the Interstar, Nissan's largest LCV - have both been awarded the maximum five stars under the new system. Both vehicles are available with ICE or all-electric powertrains.

Meanwhile, the medium-sized Primastar achieved a four-star rating. All three vehicles have been re-assessed by Euro NCAP this year.

The star ratings replace the ‘medal' grading method employed by Euro NCAP until recently, under which vans were allocated rankings such as bronze, silver and gold.

Star ratings are already used in a wide variety of automotive settings, with a five-star rating indicating the peak of success.

Euro NCAP noted: ‘‘Performance is excellent when approaching a stationary or slower-moving car, with collisions avoided in almost all test scenarios. The system performs equally well whether the target vehicle is straight in front of it or offset to one side.''

The Townstar's lane departure warning system also won praise, ‘‘performing well in all tests''.

Euro NCAP said the Primastar ‘‘represents a good choice for those seeking a safe commercial van'' and that Interstar's five-star rating was ‘‘well-deserved''.

Euro NCAP's current criteria for commercial van ratings focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and place special emphasis on vulnerable road users, including pedestrians out and about at night, and cyclists.

Every Nissan LCV is covered by a five-year or 100,000-mile warranty. The comprehensive package includes bumper-to-bumper protection and roadside assistance for a full five years - providing comprehensive cover for extra peace of mind.

Francesco Russiello, LCV category manager at Nissan said: ‘‘The information provided by Euro NCAP's thorough testing and rating programme is crucial for consumers to truly understand the various safety technologies we have introduced across our vehicles as standard. It's great to see our efforts recognised in this way, but more importantly, it's hugely reassuring for our customers.''