FORD'S Kuga compact crossover has achieved the best combination of star ratings, placing the car at the top of the table in the Euro NCAP Small Off-road 4x4 group.

Awarded the maximum five stars for adult occupant protection, this rating is enhanced by four stars for child occupant protection and three stars for pedestrian protection.

Joe Bakaj, Vice President, Global Product Programs, Ford Motor Company and Vice President, Product Development, Ford of Europe, said: "The Ford Kuga joins a portfolio of cars that is recognised for high safety standards and performance.

"The tests performed by Euro NCAP are further validation of our own rigorous testing procedures and internal results and convey a compelling message to Kuga customers from a highly respected and impartial organisation."

Ford says the basis for the Kuga's safety is its Intelligent Protection System (IPS), combining a body structure optimised for strength and crashworthiness with state-of-the-art restraint equipment, plus driver aids that maintain control of the car and features that lessen the likelihood of injuries in an impact.

A Ford spokesman said: "The Kuga's extensive use of high strength steels (HSS) contributes to a very rigid, yet lightweight, passenger safety cell, which provides good frontal and side impact protection.

"The integrity of the passenger cell is further safeguarded by the use of dual phase steel in key areas, without compromising performance and fuel economy by additional weight gain."

The Kuga had a 100 per cent test result in the Euro NCAP side impact test and the rigid passenger cell of the Kuga was remarked upon positively by the testing panel.