Mixed results in new Euro NCAP tests - Introduction

The Citroen C6 has become the first car to win four out of four stars for its efforts to protect pedestrians in an accident, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee becomes only the fourth vehicle ever to be awarded zero points and zero stars for its ability to cushion vulnerable road users.

Citroen's executive car minimises the risk of injury to pedestrians by using a pop-up bonnet. Jaguar, Ford and Honda are also working on such a system, and will introduce it in future models. The C6 also takes good care of its passengers, with a full five-star rating for adult occupants and four out of five stars for children.

However, testers found that the Jeep Grand Cherokee offered no cushioning to vulnerable road users and gave it a zero score in pedestrian-impact trials. Occupant protection, on the other hand, was rated at four stars for adult occupants and three stars for children.

Executive director of the RAC Foundation, Edmund King, said 'We need more innovation in pedestrian safety and Citroen has shown how to do it.

'It has shown that pedestrian safety does not have to be compromised to make a car safer for its occupants.'

King also pointed to the Honda CR-V's three-star pedestrian rating as evidence that off-roaders could also net strong scores in this area.

A spokesman for DaimlerChrysler, which owns the Jeep brand, said: 'Developing cars that are safe for pedestrians is a goal that DaimlerChrysler is working towards.'

The Skoda Superb, Audi TT Roadster and previous-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara are the only other cars to have been given no points or stars in pedestrian-impact trials.

Euro NCAP had originally planned to combine the pedestrian and occupant results into one overall score, but scrapped the plans.