The Qoros 3 saloon has achieved the highest crash test score of 2013 under Euro NCAP standards.

The car has also become the first from a Chinese-based brand to achieve five stars in crash testing, and is among the highest scoring cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.

Qoros' 3 Saloon received praise for its robust passenger cell, as well as its passive safety equipment. The car scored 95 per cent for Adult Occupant safety, 77 per cent for pedestrian safety and 81 per cent for safety assistance systems - a new category in the Euro NCAP tests for this year.

Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said: “The safety of our vehicles was one of our key development goals from the start. It’s a crucial demonstration that our customers are the most important consideration and it also says a great deal about the engineering integrity of the car as a whole."

The testers also praised the 3's child restraint safety, where it scored 87 per cent, partly thanks to the use of Isofix seat anchoring points alongside top tether hooks and a standard passenger airbag disconnect switch.

Combined, the results gave the 3 saloon an overall rating of 88 per cent, which is equivalent to five stars.

Read Hilton Holloway's analysis of the brand's potential in China here.