Latest NCAP ratings

But the Kia Picanto, on the shopping list for Australian showrooms, will have to pick up the pace after falling to win four NCAP stars because it is not fitted with the full-range ESP stability control that is essential for it to be sold here next year.

The other five-star cars in the August testing in Europe cover the full showroom spread, from the luxury Audi A6 to the baby Chevrolet Aveo and BMW X3 SUV. A pair of Volkswagens, the Jetta and Golf Cabriolet, also make the grade.

Several of the Chevrolet-badged cars in the list will come to Australia as Holdens, led by the Volt - which is sold as the Ampera in Europe - and the Aveo which becomes a Barina. The test results show a number of strong scores in individual areas of the NCAP testing, from the side-impact pole test to child safety. The Volt, called the Opel-Vauxhall Ampera, did best in the pole test.

"The new range-extending EV reaches the maximum points in the side pole test as a result of a well-optimised balance of structure, interior and restraint system," says the head of Euro NCAP, Michiel van Ratingen. He also praises the work at GM following the scores for the Aveo and Orlando people mover.

"Euro NCAP recognises the major efforts made by the manufacturer since 2006, when the previous Aveo made headlines with a poor struck-through two star adult occupant result."

On the child-front, the Hyundai i40 and both Volkswagens scored 86 per cent.

"Euro NCAP evaluates child safety for each model tested and encourages car manufacturers to provide equally good protection for adults and children. We consider child protection as a very important part of the overall star rating and have plans to step up our requirements even more in the coming years," says van Ratingen.

He also praises the emergency-assist systems being fitted to a growing number of cars, including the Citroen DS5 and BMW X3 just tested.

EURO NCAP RATINGS - AUGUST 2011

FIVE STARS

• Audi A6
• BMW X3
• Chevrolet Aveo (Holden Barina)
• Chevrolet Orlando
• Citroen DS5
• Hyundai i40
• Opel Ampera (GM Volt)
• Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
• Volkswagen Jetta.

FOUR STARS

• Kia Picanto.