The new Volvo XC40 and Ford Focus have both achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating while being commended for their Autonomous Emergency Braking performance.

The all-new Ford Focus scored a five-star Euro NCAP rating

The latest batch of results from Euro NCAP show the XC40 – Volvo’s debut in the small SUV sector –  achieved one of the highest Adult Occupant Protection scores (97%) seen in the past three years. The Focus scored 85% rating for Adult Occupant Protection while also gaining an impressive Safety Assist score of 75%.

But it was in the area of active safety and Vulnerable Road User protection that both cars impressed the most. Both the XC40 and the Focus are equipped with an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that detects cyclists as well as pedestrians. The Volvo also has emergency lane keeping (ELK) technology that acts in emergency situations to help stop the car leaving the road or from being steered into the path of oncoming traffic.

In response, Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “Technologies like AEB and ELK deliver immediate safety benefits but they are also enabling technologies for the autonomous vehicles of the future. Euro NCAP’s roadmap sets a series of demanding tests for each of these ‘milestone’ technologies seeking to ensure that their performance saves lives today as well as tomorrow.”

Euro NCAP member Thatcham also welcomed the results. Commenting on the XC40, which was tested by Thatcham, director of research Matthew Avery said: “This is yet another benchmark car from Volvo. The XC40 is built on Volvo’s new small vehicle platform, but there are no signs of compromise on safety, despite the challenges this segment presents to delivering optimal crash protection. Not only has the Volvo XC40 registered one of the highest Adult Occupant Protection scores of the past three years, but it has done so in Euro NCAP’s toughest tests to date and all in a small package.”

He also welcomed Ford and Volvo’s addition of standard-fit AEB, commenting: “Reducing the number of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists is a key focus for Euro NCAP. Volvo and Ford should be congratulated for signalling a clear intent to support this aim, by fitting pioneering AEB technology which can handle the unique demands of detecting our most vulnerable road users.”