Euro NCAP releases six new crash results

Euro NCAP has today announced the crash results of six new models that were recently tested. With the exception of the four-star Isuzu D-Max, all tested vehicles earned five-star ratings, and the Volvo V40 particularly excelled by being the highest scoring vehicle of all time in its segment. Other vehicles tested were the Audi A3, Ford B-Max, Kia Cee’d, and Renault Clio.

Despite being the lowest, the D-Max’s four-star rating is a credible improvement from its predecessor tested in 2008. Euro NCAP’s report noted Isuzu’s strides with praise, highlighting the improved 83% score in adult protection, 67% in child protection, and 51% in pedestrian protection. The previous model scored one and a half stars for adult protection, two stars for child protection, and one star for pedestrian protection. It is also worth noting that the new D-Max was subject to a far more stringent evaluation than the 2008 model.

The Fiesta-based Ford B-Max mini MPV performed admirably, with its sliding rear doors being a particular technical highlight. With the traditional B-pillar removed from its structure, the B-Max’s sliding door is needed to double up as side protection against a T-bone collision, and under Euro NCAP’s examination, the B-Max scored an impressive 92% in adult protection.

Also contributing to the B-Max’s exceptional performance was its Active City Safety autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which is the next driver aid technology that Euro NCAP seeks to advance after electronic stability control. The organization believes that a 27% reduction in accident rates is possible with the use of such systems, and from 2014 onwards, the fitment of AEB will be a requirement for a five-star rating.

Such a ruling will not trouble Volvo, who began fitting this technology to its models since the previous decade. Volvo are the masters of safety, and in this latest round of results, the Swedes have once again shifted the safety goalposts. The V40 debuts the world’s first pedestrian airbag, which is standard fitment across the V40 range. As a result, the V40’s score of 88% in pedestrian protection, is the highest ever achieved by any car.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says, “In Europe, 14 percent of all road traffic fatalities are pedestrians. While in the last three years Euro NCAP has increased the requirements, the vehicle manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge. The scores observed today were unthinkable just a few years ago with the new V40 setting a new standard.”

KON

Images: Euro NCAP & official manufacturers release

Source: Euro NCAP official website.