Euro NCAP tested 33 cars in six categories in 2013, and the safest car in Europe when considering its adult and child safety scores was not European. Instead, the Chinese-built and developed Qoros 3 sedan took the title as Europe’s safest overall car in 2013.

The Q3 had the highest combined adult and child safety scores of all of the cars tested in 2013. Its 77% pedestrian safety score was the second highest tested, and its 81% safety assist system rating tied it for second place in terms of safety.

Euro NCAP has also released its seven safest cars by category this year, including the Q3.

"Euro NCAP is continuously evolving in response to industry innovation and consumer expectation. It is very positive that the number of four and five stars is still significant, despite the ever-increasing requirements," said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.

Renault Zoe

The Zoe is 2013's safest supermini. It received an 89% adult rating, 80% child rating, 66% pedestrian rating and 85% safety assist rating. However, it did receive a marginal score in the whiplash test. The Zoe is the only EV on the list.

Qoros GQ3

The Chinese Qoros 3 won the best small family car category. It received a 95% adult rating, 87% child rating, 77% pedestrian rating and 81% safety assist rating. It is impressive that a new Chinese automaker could beat out established European players.

Lexus IS 300h

Lexus led the large family car category with its hybrid IS300h. It scored a 91% adult rating, 85% child rating, 80% pedestrian rating and 66% safety assist rating. Euro NCAP found no major problems with the car's safety.

Maserati Ghibli

The new Maserati Ghibli was 2013's best executive sedan. It scored a 95% adult safety rating, 79% child rating, 74% pedestrian rating and 81% safety assist rating. It received a marginal whiplash rating.

Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Latitude 4x4

The Jeep Cherokee was the best small off-road 4X4 in 2013. It scored a 92% adult safety rating, 79% child rating, 67% pedestrian rating and 74% safety assist rating. Its major downside was a marginal whiplash rating.

Kia Carens

There was a tie in the small MPV category this year. One of the winners was the Kia Carens. It scored a 94% adult safety rating, 76% child rating, 64% pedestrian rating and 81% safety assist rating.

Ford Tourneo Connect

The Ford Tourneo Connect was the other winner of the small MPV category. It scored a 94% adult rating, 85% child rating, 62% pedestrian rating and 70% safety assist rating. Its only downside was a poor rating for pedestrian safety at the leading edge of the hood.

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Source: Autocar