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10.00 am (CET)
Latest test results from Euro NCAP launched in Rome
For the first time a small family car, Renault’s new Megane, has achieved five stars in Europe’s leading independent crash tests, confirmed the FIA today (26). Three other cars, the Saab 9-3, the Renault Vel Satis and the Mercedes E-class also achieved fivestars in the Euro NCAP’s crash tests.
Crashworthiness results for executive cars, family cars, small family cars, super-minis,off- roaders and MPV’s were launched at a press conference in Rome co-hosted by Euro NCAP, the FIA Foundation and the Automobile Club d’Italia.
All three ‘five star’ manufacturers have met the requirements of Euro NCAP’s new seat belt reminder protocol. Euro NCAP’s star rating is based on occupants wearing their seatbelts, seat belt reminder systems are vitally important in encouraging seat belt wearing. All of the safety gains achieved by Euro NCAP would be completely wasted if car occupants did not wear their seatbelts for every journey.
In the latest crash tests pedestrian protection has improved overall but for the first time one car, the Suzuki Grand Vitara, achieved a no star score. The latest results also reveal that there is an increasing use of the so called ISOFIX child restraints which in many cases provided good levels of protection.
Max Mosley, Euro NCAP Chairman and President of the FIA said,
“In our latest tests we continue with the assessment of off-roaders and a range of new cars across all of the size categories.
“I am delighted to say that for the first time a small family car has gained the top Euro NCAP rating of five stars. The Euro NCAP performance of Renault’s new Megane sends a clear signal to manufacturers that a five star result is not confined to larger more expensive models.
“Whatever the car, whatever the price, it’s clear that there is now a wider choice of models which offer stronger levels of protection than ever before.”
Summary of results:
| • Executive cars | Occupant Protection | Pedestrian Protection |
| Renault Vel Satis | 5 stars | 1 star |
| Mercedes E-Class | 5 stars | 1 star |
| • Family cars | ||
| Saab 9-3 | 5 stars | 1 star |
| Nissan Primera | 4 stars | 1 star |
| Subaru Legacy Outback | 4 stars | 1 star |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser | 3 stars | 1 star |
| • Small family cars | ||
| Renault Mégane II | 5 stars | 2 stars |
| Toyota Corolla | 4 stars | 2 stars |
| • Super-minis | ||
| Citroën C3 | 4 stars | 2 stars |
| Seat Ibiza | 4 stars | 2 stars |
| Ford Fiesta | 4 stars | 2 stars |
| • Large off-roaders | ||
| Mercedes M-Class | 4 stars | 1 star |
| Hyundai Santa-Fe | 4 stars | 1 star |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | 3 stars | No Stars |
| • Small off-roaders | ||
| Nissan X-Trail | 4 stars | 2 stars |
| Land Rover Freelander | 3 stars | 1 star |
| • Large MPV | ||
| Peugeot 807 | 4 stars | 1 star |
| • Small MPV | ||
| Mercedes Vaneo | 4 stars | 2 stars |
Editors Note:
A full set of the latest crash test results is available from the official web site at www.euroncap.com
