The new Range Rover Evoque has achieved the maximum five-star safety rating in latest Euro NCAP testing.

The new Evoque Evoque achieved a 94% score for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupants

The results saw the new Evoque achieve 94% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupants along with 72% for vulnerable road users and 73% for safety assist.

Welcoming the results, Matthew Avery, director of research at Euro NCAP member Thatcham Research, said: “The new Range Rover Evoque is another sterling Jaguar Land Rover product. JLR’s commitment to safety is not in question; in 2017 it committed to fitting all new models with Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard, while all models launched since 2011 have achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings.”

Lexus, SEAT, Skoda, Subaru and Volvo are the only other carmakers to achieve five-star ratings for all models released over the same period.

Avery added: “It is pleasing to see a carmaker maintaining such a consistent five-star safety record, working with Euro NCAP to protect occupants and vulnerable road users. The small SUV category is growing fast, so it’s important that carmakers like JLR continue to raise the bar in such a popular segment.”

The latest Euro NCAP results also saw a four-star rating for Citroën’s C5 Aircross with standard safety equipment, increasing to a five-star rating when fitted with the optional safety pack.

The rating recognises the fact that the standard-fit camera-only Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system can detect and respond to pedestrians while the camera and radar system included with the optional safety pack can detect cyclists as well as pedestrians.

In response, Thatcham said the C5 Aircross’s four-star rating was a credible result but expressed disappointment that the AEB cyclist system is not fitted as standard.

Avery added: “Citroën drivers are having to pay extra to detect cyclists when other vehicles of similar cost, such as the Ford Focus and Mercedes A-Class, already offer it in their overall price.

“Consumer take-up of optional safety packs is very low, below 5%, so it is vital that carmakers fit this safety equipment as standard to protect occupants and vulnerable road users. It’s also bad news for second hand buyers, unless they happen to buy from one of the small group of owners who invested in the safety pack.”