Six new models have recently undergone safety
tests: the Audi A3, Ford B-MAX, Isuzu D-Max, Kia Cee’d, Renault Clio and
Volvo V40. Euro NCAP reports how these vehicle measure up against the
latest requirements and finds encouraging trends.
With a creditable four star rating, safety on board the new Isuzu D-Max is significantly improved
compared to the model tested in 2008. While the previous pickup failed to
impress with a struck-through two star rating for adult occupant protection
and just one star for pedestrian protection, the latest results show that
Isuzu has learnt from the experience and made safety a priority for its
newest model. Their efforts have resulted in a score of 83% for adult
occupant protection and improved protection for child occupants against a
tougher 2012 regime. Equally, pedestrian safety score is considerably
improved although - with 51% - it did not yet reach the 60% threshold
required for five stars.
With its rear sliding doors and innovative design, the Ford B-MAX has achieved five stars.
Ford has done away with the middle columns on the B-MAX, known as the
B-pillars, that usually separate the front and rear passenger compartments.
To ensure the highest levels of protection in lateral collisions, a
structure is incorporated into the doors to form a central post when the
doors are shut. Euro NCAP found that safety was uncompromised as the B-MAX
scored 92 percent for adult occupant protection. The mini MPV also comes
with Active City Stop, an AEB system previously rewarded under Euro NCAP Advanced, which helps the
driver achieve maximum braking effectiveness in an emergency situation.
The new Volvo V40
achieved five stars and is Euro NCAP’s all time top scorer in its segment.
What particularly distinguishes the V40 from other vehicles is the
world-first Pedestrian Airbag technology, fitted as standard on the entire
V40 range. In case of a crash with a pedestrian, sensors detect the impact,
release the bonnet and deploy the airbag in a split second. The pedestrian
airbag lifts the bonnet and partly covers the stiff A-pillars providing
greater protection for the pedestrian. In Euro NCAP’s tests, this has
translated into a 88% score in pedestrian protection, the highest score yet
achieved in this part of the assessment.
The list of five star achievers is closed with the latest releases of Renault Clio, Kia Cee’d and
Audi A3. Compared to their respective
predecessors, this latest generation of hatchbacks offers significantly
improved pedestrian protection amongst other notable improvements. 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.’
Detailed results of the tested cars are published on the website. Next publication of Euro
NCAP results is scheduled for 28th November 2012.
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