Proton Waja Scores 3 Stars in EuroNCAP Test

The Proton Waja has been subjected to an independent crash test in Europe by EuroNCAP – an independent organisation supported by European governments and consumer and motoring associations – and in its latest 2002 (phase 10) results released earlier today, the Malaysian car scored 3 stars out of a maximum of 5.

The following is the official statement by EuroNCAP on the Proton Impian 1.6GX (as the Waja is called in UK):

“Proton claims that the Impian is the first of a new generation of cars that are designed to Euro NCAP standards. Its performance in the frontal impact was flawed, however, while the protection it offered to pedestrians also proved inadequate. This was a disappointing performance but Proton says it intends to improve future designs. The car’s body was damaged so badly by the impact that it became unstable. The driver and front passenger risked serious injury. The child restraints performed poorly and it became apparent that, in development, too little thought had been given to their use. The Impian is made only in right-hand drive so in Europe it is sold only in the UK.

Frontal Impact: The body [of the dummy] suffered severe damage and both front passengers suffered chest loads that could cause injuries. The restraints needed to cushion their upper bodies better than it did. There were also hard points in fascia that could cause harm if struck. The driver’s footwell was pushed back, posing a risk of leg injury. The centre rear seat had a three-point belt. This gave superior protection to that of a lap belt.

Side Impact: The side impact protection worked reasonably well. However the chest loading could lead to an increased chance of injury, whilst the abdomen and pelvis were reasonably protected.

Child Restraint:The 18-month-old was in a rear-facing restraint and the 3-year-old in a forward-facing one. Both were as recommended by Proton. Neither protected its occupant’s head in the frontal or side impacts. Warnings of the dangers of death or serious injury for a child placed in a rear-facing restraint in the front passenger’s seat were inadequate. There was a sticker on the passenger’s sun visor, visible in the stowed position, and a pictogram (which, because of its design, could easily confuse) on the passenger’s end of the fascia.

Pedestrian Protection: The pedestrian protection can best be described as dire. Proton admitted to Euro NCAP that its designs weren’t pedestrian friendly, but promised improvements.

Model history and safety equipment: The Impian was introduced in 2001. The 2002 model year car comes with driver and passenger frontal airbags, side airbags, front belt pre-tensioners and load limiters and a three-point centre rear belt.”

The 3-star rating may not be terribly impressive but when one looks at the results of other cars, it is apparent that Japanese and Korean models seem to score less stars – mostly three – than European models. The 1-star rating for pedestrian protection – a major concern in Europe – is also not necessarily a major negative point because even some of the better-known European models like the BMW 3-Series, Jaguar X-Type and even the Saab 9-3 all have only one star in this aspect.

For the record, the latest Mercedes C-Class scored 5/5 stars – the best results – in the latest round of crash tests and is only the second car to ever score so high. Also highlighted was the Honda CR-V, which scored an impressive 4-stars overall with 3 stars in pedestrian protection; last year, the Honda Stream was also rated tops in the MPV segment.

Summary of latest results:

Off Roaders
Honda CR-V, 4 stars
Range Rover, 4 stars
Jeep Cherokee, 3 stars
Opel Frontera, 3 stars

Sports cars
Mazda MX-5, 4 stars
Mercedes SLK, 4 stars
Honda S-2000, 4 stars

Super-minis
Audi A2, 4 stars
BMW Mini, 4 stars
Opel Corsa, 4 stars
VW Polo, 4 stars

Family Cars
Mercedes C-class, 5 stars
Ford Mondeo, 4 stars
Jaguar X-Type, 4 stars
Opel Vectra, 4 stars
Peugeot 607, 4 stars
Proton Impian, 3 stars