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2016 Volvo XC90 Crash Tested by Euro NCAP, Guess the Overall Score

This is a no-brainer, so here goes - the second-generation 2016 Volvo XC90 was awarded 5 golden stars by the Euro NCAP for its crashworthiness. End of subject. But wait a second, why does the overall score for Safety Assist reads 100 percent? Isn't that an error that slipped Euro NCAP's testing?
2016 Volvo XC90 Crash Test 1 photo
Photo: Euro NCAP
Not quite. As I'm sure Volvo enthusiasts already know, the Swedish manufacturer wishes to eliminate all deaths in its cars by 2020. Call it crash-proof, call it death-proof, call it whatever, the Volvo Vision 2020 project is real and engineers are already working on the bold promise of zero crashes and deaths.

While 2020 may be 5 years from now on, the Volvo XC90 made the first technological steps towards the crash-free direction. Be it Speed Assistance, ESP, seat belt reminder, Lane Support and the AEB Interurban trial, the Swedish crossover SUV was awarded with the maximum points possible by the Euro NCAP folks because it's that safe. As astounding as that might sound, there are still some elements that could be improved. Lots of extremely tiny problems have to be adressed.

In the D5 Momentum's case, the 2,040 kg (4,497 lbs) machine offers good protection in the frontal offset and full-width rigid barrier test. However, Euro NCAP gave the XC90 an 'adequate' rating for the rear passenger dummy in the full-width rigid barrier test. In the severe side pole impact test, protection of the chest was 'adequate' as well. Fortunately, all other body regions were protected as good as possible.

And now - the bad news

In the side pole test and, to a lesser extent, in the side barrier test, Euro NCAP tells that the side curtain airbag didn't deploy to its full extent at its rearmost edge. That results in less protection than intended for the third-row passengers. Whiplash injuries are not on the 2016 Volvo XC90's agenda, though. The cherry on top, however, is represented by the Volvo XC90's standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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