Electric cars take top honours in Euro NCAP tests

Audi’s Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in the safety body's last round of tests for 2014.

Also tested this month was Kia' Soul and Soul EV, both of which scored four stars, while Jeep’s new Renegade was awarded a top five-star rating.

Euro NCAP's testers gave the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron an adult safety rating of 82 percent, noting good body protection for both driver and passenger during front impact tests. The electric Audi scored a 66 per cent rating for pedestrian protection and a 78 per cent rating for child safety.

Kia's Soul EV scored an adult safety rating of 84 per cent, with 82 per cent for child safety. Testers noted that the Soul EV scored particularly well during side impact tests, with good body protection throughout.

The standard Soul fared slightly less well, gaining an adult safety rating of 75 per cent and a child rating of 82 per cent.

Jeep's baby Renegade impressed Euro NCAP's testers, with the SUV offering good protection during both front and side impact tests. The model was given an 87 per cent rating for adult protection and 85 per cent for children.

BMW also earned a Euro NCAP award for its advanced pedestrian warning and city braking systems.