The Audi A3 Sportback, SEAT Leon, ISUZU D-Max, Kia Sorento and Land Rover Defender achieve the maximum five stars.
The Honda e settles for four stars and the Hyundai i10 gets three.
Both the new Audi A3 Sportback and SEAT Leon sit on the same MQB-II platform as last year’s Golf VIII but now feature a centre airbag to improve far-side impact protection.
When it comes to safety, the VW group siblings are in no way inferior to their famous cousin, but it is the Leon that, thanks to more compatible front-end design, has the upper hand with a very creditable 92 percent for Adult Occupant Protection.