The Volvo XC90 sports utility vehicle and the new Renault Espace are expected to show strong results in the latest phase of the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests due to be announced in London tomorrow.
It's thought both cars may achieve the top five-star rating for occupant safety. If this happens, it will be the first time an off-roader would have achieved five stars - and the second time for an MPV.
Volvo was one of the latest manufacturers to introduce a luxury sports utility vehicle but its strategy with the XC90 allowed it incorporate some of the most advanced developments.
Earlier this year, the new Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 807 MPV were also awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP tests.
These new models join the select number of cars such as the Renault Vel Satis, Renault Megane 2, the Saab 93, as well as the Mercedes C and E Classes which were awarded the five-star rating for occupant safety last year.
While the number of cars achieving the top five-star rating is growing, there is still scope for improvement across the range of cars launched every year.
Most cars tested achieve a four-star rating, while a small number get three stars. Many in the industry believe that the four-star rating is the minimum that cars should be getting in the test.
Euro NCAP is an independent consumer body which tests how new cars perform in frontal and side impacts. It also awards points for intelligent seat-belt systems which remind people to belt up. Cars are also rated separately on how well they protect pedestrians in a crash, though to date performance in this test has been fairly poor.
This is the 12th phase of Euro NCAP's test which started in 1997. This phase includes results of tests on new superminis, small and large family cars, off-roaders and MPVs. Other new models being tested include the Nissan Micra, Ford Fusion, Opel Signum, Honda Accord, Kia Sorrento, Hyundai Trajet, BMW X5, Kia Sedona and VW Touran.
The results will be announced in London's Trafalgar Square tomorrow where the crashed tested vehicles will be displayed. "Most new models are doing well," says Maurice Eaton of Euro NCAP.
"There are some super cars in the results and one or two, dare I say it, major disappointments."