Motorists who like to have the best car insurance policy and the safest vehicle available may welcome the introduction of a new assessment system from Euro Ncap.

The crash test group has changed the way it measures the protection various models offer by introducing a single overall rating.

Previously cars were awarded three separate scores.

As a result of the new initiative, buyers can see at a glance how well a vehicle protects child and adult occupants, as well as pedestrians.

The first six models to be assessed under the new criteria were the Citroen C3 Picasso, Subaru Impreza, Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Toyota iQ and Mitsubishi Lancer.

Of these, the first two received a four-star rating, while the last four were given the maximum five-star endorsement.

Euro Ncap decided to change the assessment system in order to encourage manufacturers to pay more attention to how they can minimise the effects of accidents involving pedestrians.

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