Euro NCAP have just released the latest round of safety results in which four new models have achieved the full 5 star safety rating.
The models which have passed the stringent safety checks include, the Citroen C4, the new Honda CR-Z, the Hyundai ix35 and the new Suzuki Swift.
The fact that all four of these vehicles achieved the top result demonstrates that car manufacturers are managing to meet the criteria required by Euro NCAP's new rating scheme.
The new Citroen C4 in particular was rewarded for having an active, driver-set-speed limitation device, which helps drivers to maintain a safe driving speed. No doubt this device will alert the parents of those learning to drive as they'll be extra keen to ensure that their children don't go over the speed limit.
Over the coming months, Euro NCAP are planning on launching a new and improved testing procedure, which will be called Euro NCAP Advanced'. This new system will test all the latest car safety technology which tests things such as Lane Departure Warning' and Blind Spot Monitoring Systems'
Another point to note regarding these new tests it that only those vehicles that achieved a rating of 3 starts and over will be eligible to receive the extra ratings giving manufacturers an extra incentive to do well the first time around.
We will hear about these new ratings in October at the Paris Motor Show and further to that they'll also be releasing the results from tests they have carried out on electric cars early in 2011.
Lucy Penn is an online marketing executive currently researching the new Citroen C4 Sussex