Dacia Sandero given four stars by Euro NCAP

Independent crash tester Euro NCAP has published its latest set of results online, including a revised four-star award for the Dacia Sandero supermini.

The previous Dacia Sandero model achieved only three stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, but the new model has improved on this thanks to a strong 80 per cent score for adult occupant safety. It was marked down in the side pole impact test and the whiplash test, though, which effectively simulates a car being hit from behind in stationary traffic.

• Check out our top 10 safest cars as tested by Euro NCAP

However, four stars is still not enough to match the solid five-star score posted by the current Renault Clio. The Sandero was let down by poor scores for pedestrian protection and its relative lack of standard safety assistance systems such as rear seatbelt reminders and an electronic speed limiter.

Elsewhere, the recently released Renault Captur and Chevrolet Trax SUVs both scored the full five stars thanks to strong results in the passenger protection tests.

Other five-star models tested by Euro NCAP in recent months include the Toyota Auris, Skoda Octavia and Renault ZOE electric car. The current VW Golf, Ford Focus and BMW 3 Series all managed full marks, too.

To find out how safe your car is, visit www.euroncap.com.