One of 12 new vehicles tested, the Ranger was praised for its 81% pedestrian score – the highest score recorded for pick-ups tested by Euro NCAP so far – which is the result of a softer and well-engineered front end, absorbing the impact energy and better protecting pedestrians.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: ‘With such pedestrian protection the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.’

Other vehicles tested this month include the Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Chevrolet Captiva, Fiat Freemont, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Veloster, Mercedes M-Class, Opel/Vauxhall Astra and Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, Lancia Thema and Toyota Yaris – all of which gained five-star ratings. The Lancia Voyager was awarded four stars.

Amongst these vehicles, Euro NCAP highlighted the BMW 1 Series, the Mercedes M-Class and the Toyota Yaris for their good scores for pedestrian protection, with all of them scoring more than 60% of available points, the lower limit that Euro NCAP will set for a five-star rating from 2012 onwards. The BMW 1 Series is fitted with the Assist Advanced eCall, an automatic emergency call system rewarded under Euro NCAP Advanced.

Euro NCAP also singled out the Fiat Freemont, Mercedes M-Class, Lancia Thema and Voyager, which are equipped with active bonnets in order to improve pedestrian protection. The organisation added that: ‘Although it is encouraging that some manufacturers invest in high-tech measures to protect pedestrians, there still is room for further improvement.’

Finally, on the subject of the Chrysler Voyager – the only vehicle to receive four stars in the latest tests – Euro NCAP said: ‘Previously tested in 2007 under the Chrysler Voyager, the new Voyager is offering better safety but the town and country minivan is still lagging behind with 79% in adult protection and 67% in child occupant protection. On the up side, the minivan also demonstrated promising progress compared to the results of 2007 when the previous generation model scored no points and was awarded no stars for the protection it offered to pedestrians.’