CAR manufacturers are failing to alter the design of some new models to reduce the risk of killing or injuring a pedestrian in the event of a crash, a survey has found.

Only two of the 12 cars examined in the latest European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) crash tests received a satisfactory pedestrian rating.

The rest scored only one or two stars after their bonnets or bumpers were found to be potentially lethal.

The worst-performing car was the Fiat Doblo, which received one star and was described as “extremely poor”. The report concluded: “Euro NCAP urges Fiat to take pedestrian protection much more seriously than this.”

Vauxhall was also criticised for failing to incorporate “pedestrian-friendly” features in the new Astra. “Its leading edge and the car’s bumper proved to be very unfriendly. This was a disappointing result for a new design, and Euro NCAP urges (Vauxhall) to take this vital area more seriously,” the report said.

Most of the cars, including the Astra, achieved the top rating of five stars for occupant protection. They all received at least three stars for child occupant protection, with the Toyota Prius gaining the highest rating in this category to date.

The RAC Foundation said car companies were abusing the crash-test ratings by advertising occupant and child-protection ratings but ignoring the pedestrian rating.

Edmund King, the director of the foundation, said that car-makers should be given an aggregate score from the three tests. When the scores are added together, the VW Golf comes top with 12 stars and Fiat’s Doblo bottom with a total of 7.

Design changes that reduce the risk to pedestrians include lower bumpers made of a softer material.

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