Due in UK showrooms on September 10, the Modus has become the seventh Renault to achieve a five-star rating, and gained four stars for the recently introduced child protection.

The Modus is based on the Clio supermini, but like the Fiat Punto-based Idea and Vauxhall Corsa-based Meriva, is designed to offer some of the versatility of an MPV.

Adrian Hobbs, secretary general of Euro NCAP said: ‘A supermini offering five-star occupant protection will help reduce death and injury on the roads. It proves once and for all that manufacturers are committed to safety.’