The latest Euro NCAP crash testing has awarded five stars to the new Volkswagen Passat and Sharan.
Scoring an overall rating of 96 per cent, the Sharan achieved one of the highest ever results in what are Euro NCAP's new tougher tests.
The results for adult protection in front, side and rear impacts, as well as child and pedestrian safety, mean Volkswagen's people carrier is among the safest vehicles in its category.
Ahead of its planned launch next year, the Volkswagen Amarok pick-up also performed well in the Euro NCAP tests, achieving a four-star rating.