Crash testing has been undertaken at Euro NCAP headquarters for a number of recently introduced van-based vehicles.
In the tests, the Ford Transit Custom was the only vehicle to score five stars – becoming the first one-tonne vehicle to earn the achievement.
The Hyundai H1 and Fiat's Scudo scored three stars, and the Renault Trafic two stars.
"Being derived from commercial van platforms, these people-carriers are updated less regularly and are generally less equipped for safety than normal passenger cars," explains Dr Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP.
Some manufacturers are responding to Euro NCAP's call and have committed to better equip light commercial vehicles when sold as family cars.
The Ford Transit Custom, designed with Euro NCAP's protocol in mind, features curtain airbags that improve protection in the severe pole side impact test. The vehicle also received recognition in Euro NCAP's Advanced rewards scheme for offering Lane Keep Assist as an option.
Fiat has also responded to Euro NCAP's assessment. The manufacturer is making safety features, such as the front passenger airbag and a Speed Limitation Device, standard in more European markets.
The Scudo's Peugeot and Citroën sister models are doing the same.
