The Golf SV achieved 87% of the maximum points total. In the important child protection section the Golf SV also did extremely well, achieving over 85% of the available points. For pedestrian safety, the model scored 62% with 73% for safety assist.

However, the rest of the test line-up did not fare so well. Ford’s Tourneo Courier supermini gained four stars, with 84% for both adult and child occupant protection and 74% for pedestrian safety and 56% for safety assist.

And three stars went to the Citroen C-Elysee, Peugeot 301, Renault Megane Hatch and MG3. For the Renault, Euro NCAP said that it scored maximu8m points in the side barrier test with good protection of all body areas. However, in the more severe side pole impact, dummy readings of chest compression indicated marginal protection for that part of the body whilst the protection provided by the seat and head restraint against whiplash injuries for adult occupants was also marginal for the front seats and was rated as poor for the rear seats, based on a geometric assessment.