Euro NCAP latest – Five stars for Mazda6, Lexus IS, Toyota Corolla

The latest round of crash results from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) was released just today, with a total of five cars being evaluated. Out of the five cars tested, four models are available in the Malaysian market, although the usual caveat of differing specifications across regions apply.

The Opel Adam’s four-star performance is unlikely to concern us, but the Mazda6, Lexus IS 300h, and Mitsubishi Mirage are all models officially available in the Malaysian market. The 2013 Toyota Corolla that completed the quintet is not currently available in Malaysia, but it is a likely replacement model of the current Corolla Altis latest by 2014.

The Corolla scored highest in adult protection with 94% and its child protection score of 82% is second only to the 85% obtained by its Lexus cousin, the IS 300h. The LHD 1.6-litre Mid-Grade Corolla tested by Euro NCAP is equipped with front seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, seven airbags, electronic stability control, and seat belt reminders for all passengers.

In comparison, the current Corolla Altis in Malaysia comes with ABS, EBD, and dual frontal airbags as standard for all variants; stability control is available only in the costlier 1.8G and 2.0V variants.

Below, we summarize the results of the Mazda6, Lexus IS 300h, and Mitsubishi Mirage and compare them to their Malaysia counterparts.

Mazda6
Variant Tested – LHD, 2.2 diesel wagon, ‘Core’ grade
Malaysia variants – 2.0 petrol sedan, 2.5 petrol sedan, 2.5 petrol wagon
Scores: Five Star
– Adult Occupant: 92%
– Child Occupant: 77%
– Pedestrian: 66%
– Safety Assist: 81%
Safety Features:
– Front seatbelt pre-tensioners & load limiters (Malaysia – YES)
– Six airbags (Malaysia – YES)
– Speed limit assist (Malaysia – YES)
– ESC (Malaysia – YES)
– Front & rear seatbelt reminder (Malaysia – YES)

Lexus IS 300h
Variant Tested – RHD, IS300h ‘Executive Plus’ grade
Malaysia variants – IS 250, IS 250 Luxury, IS 250 F Sport, IS 300h
Scores: Five Star
– Adult Occupant: 91%
– Child Occupant: 85%
– Pedestrian: 80%
– Safety Assist: 66%
Safety Features:
– Front seatbelt pre-tensioners & load limiters (Malaysia – YES)
– Eight airbags (Malaysia – YES)
– ESC (Malaysia – YES)
– Front & rear seatbelt reminder (Malaysia – YES)

Mitsubishi Space Star
Variant Tested – RHD, 1.2
Malaysia variants – Known as Mitsubishi Mirage – 1.2 GL M/T, 1.2 GL CVT, 1.2 GS CVT
Scores: Four Star
– Adult Occupant: 90%
– Child Occupant: 72%
– Pedestrian: 73%
– Safety Assist: 55%
Safety Features:
– Front seatbelt pre-tensioners & load limiters (Malaysia – YES)
– Six airbags (Malaysia – Dual frontal airbags)
– ESC (Malaysia – No)
– Front & rear seatbelt reminder (Malaysia – YES)

KON

Pictures: Official manufacturer release and Autoworld file pictures.