New Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 ace Euro NCAP safety tests

The new Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 have both received top marks from Euro NCAP in its latest round of safety tests.

Volvo's new large luxury SUV scored particularly highly for adult protection, with Euro NCAP's testers noting that the XC90's standard autonomous emergency braking system was capable of bringing the car to a halt before a collision occured in all of its tests, hence earning maximum points.

The XC90 also scored 100% for its safety assistance systems, which all feature as standard. The Q7, meanwhile, marginally beat the XC90's score for child protection.

Also receiving a full five-star rating were the Renault Kadjar, Ford Galaxy and S-Max, Volkswagen Touran and Toyot Avensis.

The new Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi L200 were also tested, and both scored four stars. Euro NCAP says both cars were let down because they do not feature a full range of safety systems as standard. The L200 doesn't offer autonomous emergency braking, while the CX-3 only offers the system as an optional extra.

In a statement, Euro NCAP said: "Good occupant protection is still the backbone of a top rating in Euro NCAP, but the availability and performance of avoidance and driver support systems, which will ultimately pave the way for highly automated vehicles, is becoming increasingly important."

See the Volvo XC90's crash test video below.