Qashqai, the new Nissan wonder-car, achieved the maximum score of 37 points in the adult occupant protection rating for small family cars.

Nissan’s crossover Qashqai was among several vehicles in its class put through a rigorous schedule of front, side impact and pole crash tests.

"This a particularly impressive result for this manufacturer since the Qashqai is a new vehicle in this category. Nissan's last entry into the small family class was in 2001", said Adrian Hobbs, Euro NCAP Secretary General.

The vehicle also received four stars for child protection. Last month the new Mini Cooper was awarded five stars in another category after extensive Euro NCAP testing.

Last year Nissan replaced the Almera in the compact class with the Qashqai, which is named after an Iranian Nomadic tribe.

The price is in range of about 19,000 euros (24,000 dollars) in Europe for the 1.6-litre 115 hp entry model. The top model is fitted with a 2-litre 140 hp motor. Two diesel engines are on offer - the 1.5 dCi with 106 hp and the 2- litre turbo diesel with 150 hp.

A dominant style element is the big Nissan badge enclosed by a U- formed frame in the front grille and the headlights pulled deep into the side fenders. The low front spoiler and contoured bonnet are state-of-the art SUV design.

In the interior a TFT-monitor informs the driver and passenger on audio, climate and navigation details. Among the extras are features such as the panorama roof, automatic windscreen and headlight functions, navigation system, rear-view camera and Bluetooth for the mobile phone.

The Nissan Qashqai is produced at Nissan's plant in Sunderland in northeast England.