Currently reading: Euro NCAP tougher in 2012
Next year's NCAP testing will be more stringent, with more focus placed on pedestrian safety

Next year’s Euro NCAP requirements will be tougher, thanks to more stringent measures placed on pedestrian safety.

From 2012, five-star cars will have to achieve a minimum 60 per cent score in pedestrian safety, up from this year’s 40 per cent marker.

As such, none of the cars tested this month would be eligible for next year’s change, with the Audi A6, Vauxhall Ampera and Citroën DS5 only just making this year’s threshold with 41, 41 and 40 per cent respectively.

The highest scoring car for pedestrian safety was the Volkswagen Jetta, which scored 56 per cent – still four per cent short for next year.

Every new car tested this month by Euro NCAP currently receives five stars overall, apart from the Kia Picanto, which received a four star rating as Electronic Stability Control is not standard across all versions in all European markets - all UK versions, however do feature ESP as standard.

The Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando showed good whiplash and adult-occupant protection scores (95 per cent for both), while the Hyundai i40, the VW Jetta and the VW Golf Cabriolet received high scores for child-occupant protection (all achieving 86 per cent). Highest in the group was the Chevrolet Aveo, scoring 87 per cent for child safety.

Niki Sorabjee

Add a comment…