Safety record breaker

The EV scored a 97 per cent rating in Adult Occupant Protection and near-perfect 98 per cent in Safety Assist, with full points for its lane support and new cabin camera-based driver monitoring system.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen described the results as “truly outstanding”.

The new Genesis GV60 also achieved a five-star rating alongside Great Wall’s Ora Cat hatchback, which is due in UK showrooms later this year.

Kia’s new Niro crossover was the only new EV not to achieve top marks, though its four-star rating can be topped up to five stars with an optional “DriveWise” safety pack.