5:01 am, August 30, 2012
EURO NCAP has announced it’s recently tested six new models to hit dealerships, and reports some strong results.
Audi’s all-new A3, the Ford B-Max, Isuzu D-Max, Kia Cee’d, Renault Clio and the new Volvo V40 were all stringently tested by the NCAP programme.
Isuzu’s new D-Max has significantly improved on its predecessor netting a four-star rating.
The Japanese firm’s efforts have resulted in a score of 83 per cent 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 per cent – it did not yet reach the 60 per cent threshold required for five stars.
With its rear sliding doors and innovative design, the Ford B-Max has achieved five stars. Euro NCAP found that safety was uncompromised despite the B-Max’s lack of a b-pillar, scoring 92 per cent for adult occupant protection.
The mini MPV also comes with Active City Safety, 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 (pictured) achieved five stars and is Euro NCAP’s all time top scorer in its segment. The car’s pedestrian airbag – a world’s first – and fitted as standard on the entire V40 range, marked out the Swedish premium hatchback.
In Euro NCAP’s tests, this has translated into a 88 per cent 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, said : ‘In Europe, 14 per cent 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.’
