The BMW 5-series and Alfa Romeo Guilietta have both received five star ratings from the Euro NCAP safety testing organisation.
Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-7 received a four-star rating - receiving particular criticism for its poor protection against whiplash.
Noteworthy results included the BMW scoring 100 per cent in the Safety Assist section of the test, as stability control, seatbelt reminders and a driver-set speed limitation device are all standard across the range.
It also scored well in the pedestrian impact test, aided by its 'active bonnet' which is lifted by actuators when a crash is detected, creating more space to absorb the energy of a struck pedestrian.
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