Smart Motorist

Euro NCAP has released results of the latest safety tests carried out with 12 cars in November. Of these, only two cars were obtained 3 and 4 stars, the rest received the maximum rating of 5 stars.

BMW X1, Chevrolet Cruze, Citroen DS3, Infiniti FX, Mazda3, Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes GLK, Opel Astra, Peugeot and Volkswagen Scirocco 5008 achieved a maximum rating of five stars in the latest safety tests conducted by Euro NCAP, some models was even acclaimed independent organization for the success of a near-perfect score (96% Chevrolet Cruze adult occupant protection) or good rating for rear impact protection (Cruze, Opel Astra and Volkswagen Scirocco).

Chevrolet Spark, a model which will be launched on European markets in January 2010, received 4 stars for not providing the equipment (standard or optional) to all versions of ESP safety system and thus was excluded.

Great disappointment however comes from Toyota Urban Cruiser, which won only 3 stars out of 5 maximum possible protection with a percentage of the adult occupants of only 58%, in contrast to the Avensis and the IQ test in early, and most recently the new Prius - all models by obtaining the maximum score.

"Toyota is discouraging result. Customers should always check when buying a car and not make assumptions regarding the safety performance on brand reputation, "commented Dr Michiel van Ratingen, director of Euro NCAP.

However, Toyota put the question how to test Euro NCAP. A company spokesman said that "the priority is for Toyota to build cars as safe as possible. "In 2009 we obtained five star rating for all three new cars assessed by Euro NCAP (iQ, Avensis and Prius). For this reason we are very surprised that the Urban Cruiser has received only three star rating. Like any Toyota, have undergone rigorous test car, we have shown that Euro NCAP will pass the test and will receive the maximum rating. "Japanese official has completed.

Toyota, along with other auto manufacturers, is in discussion with the Euro NCAP in respect of certain aspects of evaluation methodology, which could explain the rating below expectations. "It is a difference of opinion between us and Euro NCAP on the technical, especially with the post crash test. In our internal tests with very stringent methods, we had indications that the protection offered by curtain airbags will be sufficient to receive the maximum rating from Euro NCAP, "said Toyota spokesman.

According to details provided by Euro NCAP passenger compartment remained stable during the frontal impact test. However, despite the presence airbagu's knee, dummy driver registered levels above the limits allowed in the left knee in contact with the dashboard. Structure the board pose a high risk of injury to both legs of the driver and the passenger's right. In the pole impact test, side airbags were not effective to prevent abrupt contact of the head. In this test Euro NCAP has not given any point Toyota Urban Cruiser, given that safety performance offered by airbags are essential in the protection of real-world accidents. Same side airbags were also ineffective if the side impact, Toyota is also penalized the point here. If the rear impact protection has been identified as marginal (average).

For the protection of child occupants, Toyota Urban Cruiser received 35 points (71%), and to protect pietonilor19 points (53%).