2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Six new models have completed the EuroNCAP crash test with the highest rating. The Nissan Leaf is not the only car with an alternative drive that has been rated with five stars.
Six new models rolling onto the market can now call themselves "safe". In the current EuroNCAP crash test, they all got five out of five stars despite stricter 2011 regulations - with the Nissan Leaf, a purely electric car also received the top rating for the first time. The five-door electric car from Japan proves the safety of modern electric cars.
Third generation of the Ford Focus is convincing
Occupants and pedestrians are not only well protected, but also the lithium-ion battery. Because it is placed in the underbody under the rear seats, the damage in a crash is almost zero, and neither the helpers nor the occupants have to fear a shock from high voltage. "The Nissan Leaf proves that electric cars can be just as safe as conventional vehicles," says Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General at EuroNCAP, summarizing the result. The testers also rated the driver assistance systems, which include the anti-skid ESP, airbags and cruise control as standard, above-average positive results.
The third generation of the Ford Focus also impresses with extensive helpers. A well-functioning traffic sign recognition, a drowsiness warning, an automatic parking aid as well as blind spot, lane and emergency braking assistants for city traffic can be found on the equipment list. And despite the technical bells and whistles, the actual safety of the driver, passengers and above all pedestrians is not neglected. With a pedestrian protection of 72 percent, the compact class sets a new safety record in this area. But the occupants are also adequately protected in the event of an accident.
2012 tightening of rules
Of course, a Volvo should not be missing from the list of the safest vehicles. With the V60 sports suit, the Swedes have a corresponding iron in the fire in the current test. Thanks to the standard "City Safety" emergency braking assistant, rear-end collisions in city traffic can be completely avoided or at least their severity can be reduced. Other assistance systems round off the good impression.
With the compact hybrid car Lexus CT 200h, there is another alternatively powered vehicle in the test field. The Japanese with the twin engine in the rear, like the Peugeot 508 and the Citroen DS4, which will be launched in May, score with good occupant protection. For example, all models inform the driver of the exact status of the front passenger airbag if the child is transported in a rear-facing baby seat on the front passenger seat. The pedestrian protection of the three vehicles is in need of improvement: In 2012, the regulations will be tightened so that at least 60 percent pedestrian protection must be offered in order to receive five stars. The French would not achieve this criterion at the moment and would also just miss the Lexus model.
