All three cars have been recently facelifted from the previous models, which achieved four stars adult for occupant protection when tested by Euro NCAP back in 2005.

In response, the organisation says that they have failed to keep abreast of latest safety developments and standards. 

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general said: ‘Our test protocols have evolved significantly over the past few years. There are more tests and the requirements have become more stringent. Despite this, many manufacturers have engineered their latest cars to achieve the highest score. On the other hand, we see that some manufacturers continue to offer popular best sellers without making the necessary incremental updates to safety. It is those models that obviously fall behind other, more modern cars competing in the same category.’

However both Toyota and PSA Peugeot-Citroen have responded to Euro NCAP’s note that the current model of the Aygo and sister models lack basic items such as side impact airbags and electronic stability control as standard equipment.

In response, the carmakers have made a commitment to make a side thorax airbag, side head curtain airbag, electronic stability control, passenger seatbelt reminder and ISOFIX and top-tether in rear outboard seats standard by July 2013 in all European countries:

Euro NCAP added that to encourage this greater fitment, it has rated the car with this equipment onboard.

Dr van Ratingen: 'With this non-standard equipment fitted, the Aygo achieves a three-star result; without it, the rating would probably have been much worse. Side impact airbags and electronic stability control are standard on many cars in this category and our tests demonstrate how important it is for manufacturers to keep their cars up to date when it comes to safety.'