The Geely Emgrand EC7 (Inset) and MG6 were amongst the six models that gained four stars along with the Fiat Panda, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jaguar XF and the EV Renault Fluence ZE.

Geely’s results underline the Chinese manufacturers’ desire to improve the safety record of their brands in Europe, says Euro NCAP.

Secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said: ‘These results mark a milestone for the  Chinese automotive industry. It is a clear sign that Chinese car makers are building on recent experiences and rapidly investing in better vehicle safety. Even with the upcoming increased demands, five stars are expected to be within reach soon.’

Conversely Euro NCAP highlighted how the four-star rating for the Renault Fluence ZE fell short of the anticipated five stars, underachieving on pedestrian protection, driver and passenger protection offered. The organisation added that this result puts it on a par with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but behind other EVs such as the Nissan LEAF and Opel Ampera tested earlier in the year.

Euro NCAP also commented that the Fiat Panda lost a star as it is not fitted with ESC as standard, despite the technology becoming mandatory in 2012. It also said that the Jeep Grand Cherokee showed disappointing results in child occupant protection and has urged the manufacturer to implement a new design for the seat rail holding the seat belt anchorage, which came close to breaking in two in the frontal impact test.

Other vehicles tested by Euro NCAP this month comprise the Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Rio, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and C-Class Coupe, the Ranger Rover Evoque, Subaru XV, VW Beetle and VW up! – all of which scored a five-star rating. The VW up!’s five stars are applied also to its VW-group cousins, the Seat Mii and the Skoda Citigo.

Euro NCAP also announce results for a number of new technologies offered on recently tested models that have been assessed under its Advanced programme. Ford has been rewarded for its Driver Alert and Forward Alert systems on the Focus, making the car the first that offers four rewarded technologies. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has been recognised for its Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist, Opel for Adaptive Forward Lighting and Volkswagen for City Emergency Brake.