THE family-friendly Toyota Verso model has been awarded a maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety performance test programme.

In the latest results from Euro NCAP, the Verso was the only car tested to receive the maximum five-star rating under the revised, more demanding, 2010 crash test programme.

The Verso scored 89% for Adult Occupancy, 75% for Child Occupancy, 69% for Pedestrian Impact and 86% for Safety Assistance.

New Euro NCAP regulations were introduced last year and this marks the start of a three-step format which will see the introduction of Šincreasingly stringent crash testing rules over the next two years.

Significantly improved Pedestrian Impact performance constitutes one major change in this three step programme, with a 5-Star rating requiring a score of 25% in 2009, 40% in 2010 and 60% in 2012.

By achieving 69%, the Verso already meets the 2012 target.

With adult and child occupant categories also becoming increasingly strict in 2010 and 2012, vehicles need to achieve excellent results in all four categories to merit a 5-star rating.