FORD has unveiled a new 'pop-up' safety bonnet to protect against pedestrian head injuries.

The specially designed bonnet is fitted to a demonstration Ford Focus. On impact, the bonnet moves up to create space between the bonnet and the engine.

This reduces the effect of the car's impact on a pedestrian. But the device is not triggered when the car hits another vehicle.

Pedestrian safety has become a primary area of focus for the European New Car Assessment Programme of crash tests.