Euro NCAP's best performing cars of 2010

Euro NCAP recently announced the five best performing cars of 2010. These vehicles achieved a high overall score and attained the coveted five star rating.

The top achievers by category are:

• Executive category: BMW 5 Series
• Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
• Supermini category: Honda CR-Z
• Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage
• Small MPV category: Toyota Verso

Last year, Euro NCAP crash tested twenty nine vehicles, 65% of which reached the five star rating, compared to 90% in 2009. This decrease is attributed to the fact that the Euro NCAP’s criteria to reach a five stars are now tougher. 

The  poorest results of 2010 were the Citroen Nemo with three stars and by the Landwind CV9 which received only two stars.

Check out the full list of cars tested in 2010 on the Euro NCAP website.

Medical professionals are the most accident prone in the UK

A recent press release by the online price comparison site, Confused.com, totally changed my perception of the motorist profiles I have had all my life. Apparently those in the medical profession appeared most frequently in the top ten (50%) car insurance claims in the past 12 months (18th October 2009 and 18th October 2010).

This is surprising because they are supposed to be most aware of all professions when it comes to accidents and injuries.

The results of the research showed that GPs are the most hazardous drivers in the UK with 33% of claims made by them. They were followed by psychologists (30%), district nurses (30%), hospital doctors (29%) and dentists (27%)making a claim.

In what seems to be bizarre findings, 20-20 vision doesn't help as well with opticians making up 27% of those claiming for an incident in the last 12 months. They were closely followed by law abiding policeman who made up 26% of the claimants.

It was not surprising that high earners such as solicitors and accountants are also the most likely to make a claim, contributing to 65% of the top 20.

The safest drivers were actually the low income earners with car valeters being the least likely to make a claim with only 8% putting in the paperwork in the last 12 months.

Here is the full list of the Top 20 occupations that have claimed in an accident:

1. Doctor GP
2. Psychologist
3. District Nurse
4. Hospital Doctor
5. Solicitor
6. Chartered Accountant
7. Head Teacher
8. Dentist
9. Personnel Officer
10. Chartered Surveyor
11. Quantity Surveyor
12. Optician
13. Systems Manager
14. Police Officer
15. Financial Advisor
16. Computer Services Manager
17. Accountant Chartered
18. Pharmacist
19. Probation Officer
20. Local Government Officer

Top 20 occupations least likely to be involved in an accident

1. Car Valeter
2. Labourer
3. Van / Lorry / Fork Lift Truck Driver
4. Farm Worker
5. Scaffolder / Roofer
6. Construction Worker
7. Decorator / Painter / Plasterer
8. Road Worker
9. Coach Driver
10. Security Guard
11. Builder
12. Groundsmen
13. Mechanic
14. Carpet Fitter
15. Warehouse Employee
16. Bar Staff
17. Cleaner
18. Bakery Worker
19. Double Glazing Fitter
20. Factory Worker

Best safety innovations

Euro NCAP presented the first Euro NCAP Advanced rewards at a press conference held on October 1st 2010 at the Paris Motor Show. The technologies developed by car manufacturers were rewarded for offering scientifically proven safety benefits:

1. Audi Side Assist
2. BMW Assist Advanced eCall
3. Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
4. Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE® and PRE-SAFE® Brake
5. Opel Eye
6. Peugeot Connect SOS and
7. Citroën Localized Emergency Call
8. Volkswagen Lane Assist
9. Volvo City Safety

According to the press release,other technologies will be assessed in the coming months and will be announced in 2011.

For more details, go to the NCAP’s website.

Volvo PR failure

I cringe when I see this video. Was supposed to showcase Volvo's automatic stopping feature. However, as you can see, things didn't go as planned.

BMW 5 series scores high in pedestrian safety

Euro NCAP today released the test results for three new cars: the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, BMW 5-series and the Mazda CX-7.

The BMW 5 series achieved a high 78% in pedestrian protection. The car has an active bonnet, so that when a pedestrian is struck, the bonnet is lifted from its position as a result, creating more space to absorb the energy that usually results in injury. The car also scored 100% in Safety Assist as the car has electronic stability control fitted as standard, seatbelt reminders in the front and rear, as well as a driver set speed limitation device.

One of the most common injuries in the event of a rear impact are whiplash injuries.

The BMW seat and head restraint was found to offer good protection. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is equipped with a reactive seat and head restraint offering good protection as well. However, the Mazda CX -7 was found to offer poor protection against whiplash.



For detailed ESC performance data on all cars tested in 2009 go to the Euro NCAP website www.euroncap.com. Besides English, the Euro NCAP website is now available in Dutch and French as well.

Euro NCAP tests gets tougher

Just read the latest Today, Euro NCAP crash test results for five new cars,viz., the Citroen Nemo, the Kia Venga, the Nissan Cube, the Seat Exeo and the Toyota Verso.

Only the Toyota Verso, receives Euro NCAP’s maximum five star rating.

This is due to the fact that Euro NCAP has raised the bar for carmakers to achieve five stars across three areas of safety protection:
Performance thresholds for Adult Occupant Protection - from 70% previously to 75%
Child Occupant Protection - 75% to 80%
Pedestrian Protection - from from 25% to 40%.

The Toyota Verso received good scores in all areas and an huge 69% in pedestrian protection.

Please visit the Euro NCAP site for more info

Top five safest cars of 2009

According to a press release from Euro NCAP, the top five safest cars of 2009 are as follows:

The VW Golf VI frontal impact test

1. VW Golf VI
2. Honda Insight
3. Toyota Prius
4. Hyundai i20
5. Toyota Avensis
5. Volvo XC60
5. Opel/Vauxhall Astra

This is based on their maximum five star award and their overall scores and was out of a total of 33 car models that were tested last year.

The VW Golf performed impressively in all four categories tested, namely, occupant protection of adults, protection of children, pedestrian protection and supporting safety and driver assistance systems.

It is interesting that two fuel-efficient vehicles, namely, the Honda Insight Hybrid and Toyota Prius, were placed second and third respectively.

On the other hand the Suzuki Alto and the Toyota Urban Cruiser, received three stars, Euro NCAP’s poorest results.

Download the printable table of all cars tested and upgraded in 2009 here.

Euro NCAP test results

Euro NCAP recently released the results of the test on 12 of Europe’s best-selling cars. These were for cars in the following categories: Supermini, Small Family, Large Family, Small Off-Roader, Pick up and Large MPV.

Apparently this is the last time the present rating system will be used. The new rating system will be launched in February 2009.

The cars which received the top score of five stars for adult occupant protection were the Alfa Romeo Mito, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 308CC, Volkswagen Golf VI, Renault Megane, Honda Accord, Opel Insignia and the Volvo XC60.

However, some of the cars didn't do as well for child occupant or pedestrian protection.

Go over to the Euro NCAP site for more details.

Safety test results for some family cars

Euro NCAP recently released the test results for seven cars in five different categories. The cars, which are targeted at consumers with families, include the Audi A4, Skoda Superb, Citroen Berlingo, Ford Kuga, the VW T5 Caravelle and two Superminis, the Hyundai i10 and the Seat Ibiza.

All of the cars received four stars in Child Occupant Protection. SO far, no car has received the maximum of 49 points or five stars.

The Child Occupant rating was introduced in November 2003 and is based on the evaluation of the manufacturer’s recommended child restraints for an 18-month infant and a 3-year old child.

For more information, go to www.euroncap.com.

Proton recalls Savvy

Malaysian car manufacturer Proton is recalling its Savvy cars to address a possible wheel bearing problem.



According to the Proton press release: "This recall is purely a precautionary measure as the convenience and safety of its customers is PROTON's highest priority."

The company is encouraging customers to contact the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an appointment to have their cars inspected. Not sure whether this recall affects cars in the UK.

Following the recall, Proton Holdings Bhd. shares were trading lower on the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) down 2 sen at 3.84 ringgit ($1.20).

Nissan Navara safety rating improves

When it was last tested by the Euro NCAP, the 08 model year Navara pickup only scored a poor one star rating. Following that, Nissan initiated a service campaign to upgrade the airbag software of all Navaras produced since 2005.

The upgraded car has achieved three stars for adult occupant protection according to a report released by Euro NCAP yesterday.

It has also scored a higher the Child Occupant Protection rating (to four stars).

Shows that some auto makers do take the tests seriously.

Latest car test results from Euro NCAP

Test results for 6 cars were released by Euro NCAP yesterday:

In the Supermini category, the Daihatsu Materia and the Mazda 2.

In the Small Family Car category, the Honda Civic

In the Large Family Car category, the the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70

Out of these, four cars received five stars in adult occupant protection. These were the Mazda 2, the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70.


Mazda 2

During the trest, delay in the deployment of airbags was detected in the Mazda 2 and the Volvo V70 even though they were not part of Euro NCAP tests.

In the frontal impact test of the Mazda 2, a small disturbance shortly before impact led to a delay in the firing of the airbags and protection of the front seat occupants was compromised. Although these disturbances are not part of Euro NCAP’s tests, they could occur in real life accidents. In the case of the Volvo V70, curtain airbag deployment was delayed in the side pole test.

Both manufacturers have taken steps to rectify the problems.

Read the full press release here: "Euro NCAP - up to speed on testing".

Euro NCAP test results for the Nssan X Trail

I have always liked the Nissan X trail and I was quite surprised when I learnt that it had only achieved four stars in adult occupant protection test conducted by Euro NCAP recently.



Read the full results of the test here on the Euro NCAP site.

Smart ForTwo receives 4 stars in safety test

The Smart ForTwo supermini received four out of five stars in Euro NCAP’s Adult Occupant protection rating. It was not assessed for child protection as it doesn't have any rear seats.

However, it only received 2 stars for Pedestrian Protection.

Check out Smart's Road to Enlightenment site.

Fiat 500, Kia Cee’d and Peugeot 308 receives five stars in safety tests

The new Fiat 500 received five stars in adult occupant protection with an overall score of 35 points in a recent press release from Euro NCAP. Another car in the same supermini category - the Renault Twingo also did quite well, receiving a four-star result in adult occupant protection with an overall score of 28 points.

No child protection rating was available for the Twingo as there was not enough space to fit Renault’s recommended child restraints in the rear seats with the front seats set to Euro NCAP’s test position for adults.


The Kia Cee'd

Two cars in the small family car category also received Five stars in Adult Occupant Protection. The Kia Cee’d is the first Kia to receive 5 stars since Euro NCAP first tested this make of car in 2003. The Peugeot 308, received five stars in adult occupant protection and a higher result in pedestrian protection than the Kia Cee’d, with a three star score.

Click the following links for their full test results:

• Fiat 500
• Renault Twingo
• Kia Cee'd
• Peugeot 308

More new safety features from Nissan

I wrote about the anti drunk Nissan concept car. Well. here's a a video of the new safterly features being developed by them.

Safety test results of the Honda Civic Hybrid

One of the questions being asked today is "Are hybrids safe?" Of course they can't go that fast but still...

Euro NCAP has released the test results of the Honda Civic Hybrid on the 25th July, 2007.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the second environment friendly that the organisation has tested. The first was the Toyota Prius which was tested in 2004. That car received a five-star score in adult occupant protection. However, Honda Civic Hybrid, which falls in the small family class, did not receive the maximum five-star rating expected in adult occupant protection.

Adult Occupant: 4 stars
Child Occupant: 4 stars
Pedestrian: 3 stars

Go to their website for more detailed ratings for the car.

Dodge Caliber test results and other Euro NCAP news

According to a press release issued by Euro NCAP on wednesday, 27th June, the Dodge Caliber was awarded four stars for adult occupant protection, four stars for child occupant protection and one star for pedestrian protection in the small family car category.

The complete test results for this five-door hatchback will be available from 27th June 2007.

FYI, the front impact test is conducted at 64km/h (40mph) into an offset deformable barrier, the side impact test 50km/h (30mph), the pole test at 29km/h (18mph) and the pedestrian tests at 40km/h (25mph).

The Dodge Caliber replaces the Neon. It was first introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in the spring of 2006. Prices in the UK starts from £11,695 OTR for the 1.8 S (MAN). Source: Dodge UK

In another unrelated news, Euro NCAP announced that their next Secretary General will be Michiel van Ratingen. He will take up his post when the current Secretary General Adrian Hobbs retires later this year.

Michiel van Ratingen is a Mechanical Engineer with extensive experience in the field of vehicle safety. Michiel worked at TNO, as head of Automotive Safety, and later at First Technology Safety Systems.

Adrian Hobbs retires after over 35 years working in accident research, vehicle safety and Euro NCAP. He initiated the Euro NCAP programme and has taken a leading role in its development. He joined the Euro NCAP Secretariat in 2003.

Adrian Hobbs has helped Euro NCAP elevate car safety to a level no one could have anticipated
ten years ago. Adrian has been one of the world leaders in vehicle safety

- Claes Tingvall.

Renault Clios recalled

Renault has recalled all the Clio II here in the UK. This follows complaints of bonnets suddenly flying open while driving. Read the BBC report here.

There was report about a Clio bonnet popping up and smashing the windscreen yesterday.

Small off-roaders improve safety

Last Friday, Euro NCAP released the test results for two new small off-roaders, the Land Rover Freelander 2 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 achieved the maximum award of five stars for adult occupant protection. It is the first small off-roader to achieve such a result.

On the other hand, the Suzuki Grand Vitara achieved a reasonable four star score in adult occupant protection.

However, it did better than the Freelander 2 in pedestrian protection than, becoming only the third small off-roader to be awarded three stars. This is the highest pedestrian rating so far awarded in this category.

Summary of Results

Land Rover Freelander 2
Occupant Protection: 5 stars
Child Protection: 4 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 1 star

Suzuki Grand Vitara
Occupant Protection: 4 stars
Child Protection: 3 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 3 stars

Tags: Euro NCAP Land Rover Freelander 2 Suzuki Grand Vitara