2018 named

Crash safety testers have named the safest new cars put on sale this year.

As part of its annual programme Euro NCAP compiles a list of its Best in Class cars – those which outperformed all other models based on its stringent testing procedures.

This year three models were highlighted as being worthy of the best in class title.

The Mercedes A-Class was ranked the safest small family car and was also named as this year’s overall best result.

The compact executive model scored 96 per cent for its adult occupant protection and 91 per cent for child protection. It also achieved a 92 per cent approval for vulnerable road user protection.

Also picked out by Euro NCAP was the Hyundai Nexo, which was identified as the best “large off-roader”.

The Korean brand’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle outranked the Mercedes on the performance of its safety assistance system - scoring 80 per cent. However, its overall protection ratings were slightly lower - 94 per cent for adult occupants, 87 for children and 67 for other road users.

The Lexus ES was the third car deemed worthy of a best in class label, for the large family car category.

The all-new hybrid saloon from the luxury brand also claimed Euro NCAP’s new award for best performing hybrid or electric car. It scored 91 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupants and 90 per cent for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.