Suzuki's Jimny scored three stars out of a maximum five in Euro NCAP’s latest round of testing for a “weak” safety performance, as Volkswagen's Toureg and Audi A6 achieved top marks.

The Ford Tourneo Connect was awarded four stars.

According to the Euro NCAP report, the Jimny’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system “showed weak performance in tests of its pedestrian avoidance in daylight and does not operate in low light”.

Thatcham Research’s director of research Matthew Avery said: “The Jimny’s performance in testing betrays its ostensibly rugged exterior.

"As a completely new vehicle, it should offer far more protection to drivers in the event of an accident.

“Its safety technology did not perform optimally either. The youthful audience the Jimny has been designed for deserve better in terms of passive and active safety.”

The Touareg and A6 showed strong performance in Euro NCAP’s new AEB cyclist tests, contributing to full five-star Euro NCAP ratings for both cars.

Avery said: “Its pleasing to see carmakers like VW and Audi rise to the challenge presented by the new AEB cyclist tests, which were brought into the Euro NCAP programme at the start of the year."

He added: “Ford has given the Tourneo Connect more than a facelift, from a safety perspective at least. It’s pleasing to see a number of standard-fit driver aids, which all performed well in testing.

"This is especially important in larger vehicles as they present a greater potential threat to cyclists and pedestrians.”