Since 1997, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has been encouraging carmakers to exceed these basic requirements. The independent body tests popular cars and then allocates star ratings depending on their safety performance. Results are then published to encourage car makers to continually improve car safety, with the ultimate five-star Euro NCAP rating bringing kudos and increased saleability to the deserving recipient.
Cars are awarded stars for their test performance in three areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and pedestrian safety.
Euro NCAP Winners & Losers
• 1997 – Volvo S40 becomes the first ever recipient of 4 stars
• 1997 – Rover 100 awarded the worst ever result for adult occupant protection
• 2001 – Renault Laguna becomes the first ever 5-star car
• 2004 – Toyota Prius achieves the best ever result for child protection
• 2005 – Citroen C6 gets the best ever result for pedestrian protection
• 2007 – Nissan Qashqai awarded the best ever result for adult occupation protection
But What About the Poor Crash Test Dummies?
These rubber-skinned, steel-skeleton surrogate humans are packed with sensing equipment and cost over £100,000 each. But despite their high value, they’re certainly not precious, being regularly subjected to the following:
• Frontal crash tests performed at 40 mph into an offset deformable barrier
• Side impact crash tests performed at 31 mph
• Side impact pole crash test performed at 18 mph
• Pedestrian crash tests performed at 25 mph
However, crash test dummy hardship is for the greater good as injury data can be used by manufacturers to improve vehicle safety and by prospective buyers looking for a safer car.
So when you come to buy your next set of wheels, before getting car insurance, breakdown cover or engine warranty protection, visit Euro NCAP to see how well the car will protect you or your passengers in the event of an accident.
- ENDS -
Notes to editors
For further information please contact:
Caroline Spindlove
Confused.com
02920 434 393
Gug Kyriacou/ Joanna Harte
Polhill Communications
020 7655 0550
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