Top crash test results come with a warning

The latest crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP have seen all but one car gain a top five-star rating.

But the safety body is warning that many manufacturers are not ready for a toughening up of the tests coming next year.

The Audi A6, the BMW X3, the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroën DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, and the VW Golf Cabriolet and Jetta all achieve top five-star scores in the tests.

Only the Kia Picanto is marked down to four stars due to a lack of Electronic Stability Control as standard across the range. Kia has since defended its score, as Car and Van News reports in our separate story today.

EuroNCAP raises concerns over pedestrian protection – reporting that while many cars released continue to impress in the areas of adult and child occupant protection, pedestrian protection scores are generally still lagging behind.

According to the testers none of the cars tested will meet the more stringent 60 per cent pedestrian protestion requirements for a five-star rating coming in 2012.

The Opel Ampera, Audi A6 and Citroën DS5 only just meet the current pedestrian requirements.

EuroNCAP says a few car makers have stepped up, cars such as the latest Ford Focus showing much higher pedestrian scores.

Several cars tested this time are singled out for special praise. Chevrolet gains good whiplash and adult occupant protection scores for its Aveo (pictured) and Orlando, previous versions of the Aveo having gained only two stars for its adult occupant struck through protection.

The Hyundai i40, VW Jetta and Golf Cabriolet score a high 86 per cent for child occupant protection, and the electric Vauxhall Ampera is praised for its maximum points in the side pole test thanks to ‘a well optimized balance of structure, interior and restraint system’.

Words by: Andrew Charman