5 star Euro NCAP crash test results will be impossible from this year, unless ESC stability control is standard.
The big change will be of great significance to supermini buyers, where stability control has previously been up to a £400 option-fit.
It may lead manufacturers to raise the prices of the UK’s most price-conscious cars.
The move is to improve the test’s credentials, given that so many new models achieve 5 star crash impact scores. By boarding its focus to ‘active’ safety, the safety body feels it better reflects a vehicle’s overall safety.
Hyundai is one maker that has already reacted to the change. It has decided to fit ESP as standard to all i20s built from April. This will add £100 to the transaction price – but should ensure a 5 star crash score when the model is tested in 2010.
The first vehicles tested under this new system will be revealed on 19 February.
By Richard Aucock
