EuroNCAP has announced the safest cars in each category for 2014, according to its crash test programme.

The best performers in their size categories in EuroNCAP's 2014 tests were named as:

• Large Family Car         Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Small Family Car         Nissan Qashqai
• Small MPV                     VW Golf Sportsvan
• Small Off-Road 4x4     Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Supermini                     Skoda Fabia

These are the vehicles that achieved the highest overall scores in their respective categories, which in 2014 included for the first time new requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and put more emphasis on 'Safety Assist' technologies which help people to drive safely and avoid a accident.

EuroNCAP says the results show a split emerging between small, price competitive cars and those in the larger categories. All of the large family cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2014 achieved a five star rating. By contrast, the Skoda Fabia was the only Supermini to be awarded five stars, despite the fact that 14 models in that category were assessed during the year.

In the Small MPV category, only the VW Golf Sportsvan got the top rating, with more than half the segment scoring only three stars. This indicates that manufacturers are still struggling to make driver assist technology available in market segments where there is keen price sensitivity.

Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, "We congratulate those manufacturers whose cars are in our Best in Class list for last year. It shows a commitment to offer the highest levels of safety which, nowadays, means active accident prevention as well as top rate crash protection. As these technologies become more widespread and costs fall, we will see more manufacturers follow the example of the class leaders and offer the best all round safety to all consumers.”