Euro NCAP has published its latest batch of crash test results, with six of the nine cars tested achieving five-star ratings with the standard level of safety equipment.
The Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Grandland X, Mazda CX-5, Renault Koleos, Jeep Compass and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet all achieved five stars, while the Opel Ampera-e achieved four.
The only cars to have obtained a lower score were the Kia Rio and Picanto, each scoring three stars with their standard safety kit. However, the Rio and Picanto improved this to five and four stars respectively with optional Advanced Driving Assistance Packs installed.
Europe’s leading automotive safety body issued a warning to manufacturers, however, as it noticed a pattern in the latest results of a lack of restraint robustness when testing side impact crash protection.
The organisatin pinpointed the Picanto, C-Class Cabriolet and Compass as three cars that could improve in that area, particularly when testing with the 10-year-old child dummy.
Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “Euro NCAP is pushing for the fitment of advanced technologies and manufacturers have responded well, with AEB [autonomous emergency braking] now commonplace on most new cars. However, they should not forget the basics of occupant protection in case of a crash.
“All occupants deserve to be equally well protected, whether they’re an adult driver or a child seated in the rear. The adoption of a 10-year-old child dummy in our test last year allows us to highlight areas for improvement, even in five-star cars.”
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