Euro NCAP has published its first results of 2022, with the Volkswagen Polo and crossover Taigo both earning five stars.

The Megane E-TECH, the first Renault model based on their new dedicated electric vehicle platform, also achieved the top safety rating, as does the new Lexus NX.

The BMW 2 Series Coupé was awarded four stars.

Secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said: “Euro NCAP has been setting the standard for car safety for twenty-five years. The next 10 will bring huge challenges, with assisted and automated driving very much at the forefront of the changes ahead.

“Our focus on ADAS – advanced driver assistance systems – over the last ten years or so makes us well-placed to rate these new aspects of vehicle technology and to continue to provide key information to car buyers in the future.”

Euro NCAP has also published the ratings for the Volkswagen ID.5, sharing the 2021 five-star rating awarded to the nearly identical ID.4, and the Ford Tourneo Connect, twin of the 5-star Volkswagen Caddy.

July 2022 sees the introduction of new vehicle safety legislation, mandating the fitment of important safety systems such as autonomous braking and speed assistance on new vehicle types.

Matthew Avery, chief research strategy officer at Thatcham Research, said: "This first set of Euro NCAP results for 2022 represents a great start to the year from a safety perspective. And although there are several conventionally fuelled vehicles here, we are continuing to see more and more EV options for consumers with strong safety credentials.

"It’s also good to see a return to five-star form for Renault. The Megane E-Tech has high levels of all-round safety and an especially good child occupant score of 88% - making it a great EV choice for families.

"VW has added three more five-star vehicles to its range, with the ID.5, Taigo and Polo. It’s particularly pleasing to see a popular car like the VW Polo proving that it is possible to create a lower cost but still super-safe, supermini."

For full Euro NCAP results, click here.