The Volvo XC60 is the safest car money can buy, according to latest crash tests.

The large family SUV scored a full five stars on the Euro NCAP ratings – and nearly hit 100 percent in two categories.

The $40,000 car was praised for its protection of passengers in a head-on crash and a classic side smash.

Front and side airbags meant dummies suffered very little impact with the bulky structure of the SUV absorbing the impact.

Passengers were unlikely to suffer whiplash, too, thanks to clever seatbelt tech that stops the neck from snapping forward.

The 98 percent adult occupant rating topped any other car tested in 2017 and the 87 percent for child protection was one of the highest on record, too.

The 2017 model is also loaded with safety tech like lane assist and auto emergency braking as standard – and that helps it score 95 percent in safety assist.

The crash report said: “In both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, protection of critical body areas was good and the XC60 scored maximum points.”

“The standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system scored maximum points in tests of its functionality at the low-speeds typical of city driving, with collisions avoided at all test speeds.”

Euro NCAP also revealed the safest cars for each class of car tested in 2017.

Volkswagen claimed three categories with the Arteon (executive), T-Roc (small off-road) and Polo (supermini) topping the charts.

The Vauxhall Crossland X was rated best small MPV while the Subaru XV and Impreza were jointly awarded best small family car.

2017 was the busiest year ever for Euro NCAP as manufacturers rushed to get cars tested under new regulations that require safety tech as standard to get five stars.

Overall average safety scores increased but not all cars tested performed as well as these award winners.

The Sun previously revealed that the Fiat Punto became the first ever car to score zero on its crash test.

The Italian supermini – popular with families and first-time drivers – was slammed for its “unprecedented” poor scores.

Several key airbags were missing, testers struggled to fit modern child seats and there was no safety tech on-board.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “Volvo continues to underline its reputation for safety.”

“More broadly, though, it is encouraging to see so many new cars performing so well in all areas of safety, and being equipped with greater and greater levels of life-saving technology.”