After the first session the results are not so good. Only 5 out of the 25 cars tested obtained a good rating (green) and these were the Volvo XC60, Alfa Romeo Mito, Volkswagen Golf VI, Audi A4 and Opel Insignia. Green results reflect the carmakers' concern in preventing whiplashing protection, which is involved when the car gets rear ended by another.
Even more concerning is the fact that 8 out of the remaining 20 cars were rated as “poor” or red, meaning that the seat doesn't offer protection for the occupant. These cars are the following: Daihatsu Cuore, Citroen Berlingo, Hyundai i10, Citroen C5, Ford Kuga, Daihatsu Terios, Peugeot 308CC and the Suzuki Splash.
The remaining cars received a “orange” or “marginal” result, indicating that those seats need a bit of upgrading, but the most important fact is that the price of the vehicles did not affect their performances in these areas.
“The importance of this new Euro NCAP test has just been underlined with the release of these results. A consumer would never know how a seat would perform without this test. Buying a five star award winner will not guarantee that you have a good seat that will protect you from a potential whiplash injury. Euro NCAP’s new test will certainly encourage manufacturers to think again about seat design,” Dr Michiel Van Ratingen, Secretary-General of Euro NCAP said.
Whiplashing occurs in most frontal and side impact accidents, but more frequently in low speed rear end collisions and can lead to long and painful symptoms in time.
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