Currently reading: Toyota Prius receives first NCAP autonomous braking safety rating
Test now analyses pedestrian collision prevention systems; Prius and Suzuki Baleno first to receive rating

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has announced that it has tested the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems of two new cars, making them the first to receive a safety rating for the technology.

The Toyota Prius was the first car to be tested, and it has received five stars for its standard-fit ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ technology, which effectively demonstrated that it could recognise and avoid impacts with pedestrians.

The second car to be tested was a Suzuki Baleno, which gets three stars in standard form but ups its rating to four when fitted with the car maker’s optional ‘Radar Brake Support’, which adds AEB technology.

This demonstrates how such systems can increase a car’s safety rating and should help to motivate more manufacturers to offer AEB systems with their cars.

For cars with optional safety systems, Euro NCAP is also introducing a two-part rating system, whereby base models get given one rating, and then higher-spec models (which might have more safety features) are given another.

Ncap ped

The Baleno is the first to feature the two-part rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said of the announcement: “The inclusion of AEB Pedestrian in the rating is a key milestone in the development of automotive safety that will help the proliferation of the crash avoidance technology into all segments of the market.

“At the same time, to provide accurate and clear information to consumers about the latest systems and what benefit they might bring, is becoming more challenging. The dual rating will simplify the choice for the safest car.”

NCAP has already integrated these changes, so all AEB and optional safety equipment-equipped models will be subjected to the extra test from here on.

Video

Although it has only just announced its inclusion in star ratings, Euro NCAP has been testing autonomous braking systems for some time now. The video below shows how cars are tested.

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Andrew 61 20 April 2016

Impressive tech.

But do we need it ? The UK road network is still seeing speed limits reduced, with 20 mph now common in built up areas and outside schools. I would say its either/ or, not lower limits and extra, and expensive, vehicle safety devices.
superstevie 20 April 2016

But I do think this will

But I do think this will force manufacturers to make the city braking system more widely available, which is a good thing
Citytiger 20 April 2016

superstevie wrote: But I do

superstevie wrote:

But I do think this will force manufacturers to make the city braking system more widely available, which is a good thing

I believe, but I could be wrong, that Volvo are the only manufacturer to offer it as standard on every vehicle regardless of spec..

superstevie 20 April 2016

Euro NCAP ratings are too

Euro NCAP ratings are too confusing at the best of times. A previous 5 star rating does not equate for a 5 star rating for the current system, which I find misleading. The VW Up! got 5 stars in 2011, but would it still get that in the new one, when cars like the Smart Forfour got 4?
catnip 22 April 2016

superstevie wrote: Euro NCAP

superstevie wrote:

Euro NCAP ratings are too confusing at the best of times. A previous 5 star rating does not equate for a 5 star rating for the current system, which I find misleading. The VW Up! got 5 stars in 2011, but would it still get that in the new one, when cars like the Smart Forfour got 4?

It is too complicated now and makes comparisons between cars meaningless. A shame really.