The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models have been awarded the maximum 5 star safety rating by the independent organisation Euro NCAP.

The pair of multi-activity vehicles notably achieved the highest score ever recorded for whiplash protection and excelled in both adult occupant and child occupant safety categories. Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX are built on Ford's global C-car platform and are the first Ford passenger cars to undergo Euro NCAP's new crash test procedures introduced last year.

"Crash test ratings are an important factor when designing and engineering our vehicles and we're delighted that Euro NCAP has recognised that both the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models offer excellent protection in the event of a collision," said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's Global Vehicle Line Director for C cars.

"These are the first vehicles to be built on our new global C-car platform and for them to score so highly bodes well for future products including the all-new Focus which goes on sale next year," Herrmann added. The new C-MAX range was launched in Ireland in early November and retails from €24,595.