The Volkswagen Group has left its mark on Euro NCAP safety testing, with three models being assessed as five-star cars for adult occupant safety. Covering a broad market spectrum, the large Skoda Superb (pictured), mid-range Audi A4 and small car Seat Ibiza also posted four stars for child safety.

Skoda attributed the Superb's overall performance to the knee airbag which protects the driver's lower extremities.

"The Euro-NCAP results confirm that we have managed to produce a top-quality vehicle in terms of performance, user comfort, as well as safety, one of the key aspects from the customer's perspective, and I am indeed very pleased about that," said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Skoda's head of technological development.

Both the Superb and A4 scored maximum points for their respective performance in the side impact and pole tests, according to the testing body, which also granted maximum points to the Czech-built large car (more here) and the Audi, for child safety protection.

Other than the Volkswagen-owned products, the only other vehicle to register five stars was Ford's Kuga compact SUV. Euro NCAP was less lavish in its praise of the Ford, pointing out that the dummy driver's head bottomed out on the hub of the steering wheel, even after the airbag had deployed.

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