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Lancia Thema (Chrysler 300) Gets Maximum Euro NCAP Rating

Among the batch of 12 cars that were recently tested by Euro NCAP, the American imports from Fiat Group are the most interesting to analyze, and this is because they highlight the differences between regulations across the ocean.
The Lancia Thema that was tested is actually a rebadged version of the Chrysler 300 but comes with a 3.0-liter diesel V6 developed by Fiat Group. The biggest problem with this saloon in case you have a crash is that there’s no getting away from the fact that it weighs over 2 tons.

The test results for adult occupants were relatively good, but the driver’s head did managed to bottom out the airbag, so this will result in a collision with the steering wheel rim. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both front seat occupants.

The side impact with a car revealed good results, but the Thema’s protection was deemed marginal for the chest in the more severe pole test. The protection provided by the seat and head restraint against whiplash injuries was also rated as marginal.

The passenger airbag cannot be disabled so a rearward facing restraint cannot be used in that seating position. The dangers of doing so are clearly explained in a permanently attached label. This clearly isn’t a car for you soccer moms.

Since the bonnet of the car is so huge and it was made to accommodate a HEMI V8 that isn’t there any more, head protection was deemed to be quite good in case of a collision with a pedestrian. However, the front edge was too hard and the Thema got no points for pelvic protection.

The Thema has electronic stability control as standard equipment, and the system met Euro NCAP's test requirements.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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