Euro NCAP releases new ratings ahead of 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

Kuala Lumpur: Euro NCAP performed a series of crash test in this session ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing the actual safety rating of Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, VW Touran, Ford's Galaxy, S-Max, Renault Kadjar, Toyota Avensis, Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi L200. Auto manufacturers are now being meticulous regarding the safety concerns because people are more curious to know the safety standards before buying a car. Thus, NCAP safety ratings are the best resort to customers before making a decision.

Read Also: Audi Q7 scores a five-star rating from Euro NCAP

According to the press release by Euro NCAP good crashworthiness and improved availability of front crash prevention systems was reported among the cars leading to top ratings in the latest tests. Euro NCAP performed crash tests on nine models released this month, out of which seven earned the top rating of five stars and two earned a rating of four stars.

Read Also: New Volvo XC90 earns five stars from Euro NCAP

The SUV leaders among the rate charts were luxury vehicles Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7, which went head-to-head with each other. Both the cars aced the ratings scoring a 5 out of 5, however, XC90 made the biggest impression by earning full marks in the crash avoidance and driver assistance tests.

The top ratings among the MPV's were VW Touran, Ford's Galaxy and S-Max siblings. Well, that is a good news for families with kids as these MPV's are offering at least two rear seating positions compliant with the latest i-Size standard for child restraints as standard. These winners are followed by the achievers Renault Kadjar and the new Toyota Avensis, as both are delivering excellent safety performance across all the testing bands.

The major parameter Euro NCAP among the top ratings is the occupant protection, which is the backbone of all. Also, the availability and performance of avoidance and driver support systems, that will ultimately pave the way for highly automated vehicles, is becoming increasingly important.

The Mazda CX-3 and the pick-up Mitsubishi L200 offer good overall safety but are rated 4 stars as the L200 is not fitted with autonomous emergency braking system, while the Mazda CX-3 offers AEB as an option but with an expected low uptake. But even that’s a good achievement in the new tougher tests, especially for the L200 which is more of a more commercial vehicle still the lack of standard safety equipment is the cause the lower rating.

Read Also: Mazda CX-3 Crash Test: Scores a four-star rating from Euro NCAP

The CX-3 scored fairly well in terms of occupant protection, scoring 85 percent for adult safety, 79 percent for child safety, 84 percent for pedestrian safety but 64 per cent for safety assist technology. The major conclusion drawn out of the crash tests was that SUV does a good job in protecting both passengers found in the front seats and the back seat.