EuroNCAP Revised Safety Ratings

The European New Car Assessment Program has tested the first six cars using its revised overall car safety rating. Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Avensis, Toyota iQ, Citroen C3 Picasso and Subaru Impreza were the first models to undergo testing according to the new standards.

The new system contains revised ratings for Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection as well as a new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehicles are awarded a single overall score from one to five stars. The assessment incorporates all previous aspects and includes the recently introduced Rear Impact (Whiplash) tests.

In addition, the availability of ESC and speed limitation devices is considered. The overall rating is based on the car’s performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other.

“We acknowledge that this new rating scheme is more challenging in some areas, but it does offer lead time to manufacturers in others. We call this ‘smart pressure’. We need to raise the bar, but consider the current environment and give carmakers the opportunity to implement the best safety features into their vehicles. These manufacturers have shown that they are meeting all of our early targets. We look forward to seeing where they go next,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP.

Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota iQ and Toyota Avensis received the maximum five star rating, while the two other models, Citroen C3 Picasso and Subaru Impreza, got a four star rating. Over the next three years, stricter requirements will be introduced increasing the emphasis on all-round safety performance and demanding higher levels of achievement in each area.