The hybrid Honda CR-Z, a vehicle already tested by an autoevolution team as well, proved to be perhaps the nicest surprise of the batch, as it managed to impress the judges with its safety offerings. For some reason, having an i-VTEC engine paired with an IMA motor left room for some fears that the hybrid will not leave up to expectations. It did.
Being a sort of trend setter for the Euro NCAP testing procedures, the CR-Z will open the door for more hybrids and electric vehicles to be tested in the near future. Euro NCAP estimates it will have the first crash test results for electric vehicles in early 2011.
In addition to releasing the latest crash test results, Euro NCAP announced the establishment of the Euro NCAP Advanced test. The procedure is intended to test advanced technologies used in vehicles which up until now were not subject to testing. The driver assistance systems (eg. lane departure warning systems), we see in more and more vehicles is just an example of such technologies.
“I am looking forward to the launch of Euro NCAP Advanced. The new assessments will broaden the scope of our safety assessments and will greatly enhance the information we are able to provide to consumers," said Euro NCAP’s secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen.
"It is reassuring that, as well as developing these new advanced technologies, manufacturers are not neglecting fundamental crash protection and today’s results show that car-makers are still striving for the very best levels of protection.”
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