NCAP – Automobiles Review

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross – 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Test [video]

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-cross has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, receiving the maximum 5-star rating.

The new C-segment crossover has achieved an above-average overall result. It performed notably well on its pedestrian protection, the top-class rating in total score for newly adopted test methodology that took effect this year.

The body structure and occupant restraint systems on the SX4 S-Cross are developed to meet current and anticipated crash safety standards, offering optimal protection in real life situations.

The new SX4 S-Cross features Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept for occupant-protecting impact absorption and low weight. Extensive use of high tensile steel for key parts helps to keep the body light and enhances the vehicle’s crashworthiness substantially.

Suzuki ensures best possible safety on the new SX4 S-Cross by synchronising active and passive systems.

Active safety equipment includes a speed limiter, which prevents the car from exceeding a driver-set speed, ESP^®, which promotes stability; and seatbelt reminder for all seats.

Passive safety includes 7 airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. The seat and head restraint provide good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision. In addition, bonnet shape and new structures for the cowl top, wipers and bumpers provide impact absorption which lessens the degree of harm if the car comes into contact with a pedestrian.

2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is currently available in the UK with pricing starting from £14,999.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCYywh5XV98

Source: Suzuki

October 23, 2013

Euro NCAP – 2013 Dacia Sandero – Four Stars

The 2^nd generation of Dacia Sandero (the 2013 model) has received a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Actually, the result is not bad at all considering the low price of the hatchback.

2013 Dacia Sandero received 80% rating for adult occupants and 79% for child occupants. The car has bad score in pedestrian protection – just 57%. Due to the absence of a rear seatbelt reminder and electronic speed limiter, the Romanian hatchback was given even worse score – 55% rating for safety assistance.

Although the new Sandero has one star more compared to its predecessor, it is still way behind the new Clio, which received full five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It provided 88% adult protection and a 99% for its safety assistance systems.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Asusu4cXcE

Source: Euro NCAP

May 30, 2013

2012 Subaru XV with Five Star Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Test [VIDEO]

Subaru brand has just announced that its 2012 Subaru XV is awarded with the highest possible rating – five-star – by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) for its overall safety performance. This year’s rating reflects the performance of the XV according to the latest requirements set by Euro NCAP’s. Additional assessment system has been applied since 2009 by Euro NCAP which evaluates “Adult Occupant Protection”, “Child Occupant Protection”, “Pedestrian Protection” and “Safety Assist”. Another highlight here us that five star rating is being awarded to the Subaru XV model for the second consecutive year.

Subaru further improved its unique “ring-shaped reinforcement frame body” by optimizing the impact energy relay structure. The use of high tensile steel was also increased on the new Subaru XV. All these features actually allow the reduction in weight, higher collision safety performance to impacts from all directions, and improved passenger safety. Furthermore, additional airbags have been installed in the front seats, driver’s knee, and sides. The above features are topped with VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control), which now is standard equipment on all models. The new 2012 Subaru XV has already received excellent reviews for its safety performance, SUV functionality and stylish design.

Moreover, Subaru aims to pursue all-around safety with the continuation of its’ active, passive and pre-crash safety technologies. In details, active safety includes safety enhanced by driveability and risk-avoidance technologies; passive safety: safety enhanced by collision safety systems; and at last the pre-crash safety featured safety enhanced by advanced driving assist technologies such as warning alerts and autonomous emergency braking

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuj4mfdroro

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Subaru

February 29, 2012

Volvo V40 Premiere at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Good news from Vovlo – the Swedish company that brings us everyday road safety and stability. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show a new model will be revealed. Called the V40, it will be targeting a niche that goes under the category of “Premium hatchback”. What that basically means is that the V40 is expected to pock some big boy heat underneath a practical and sensible body.

When it comes to engine choice, one can go subtle and sensible. I am talking about Volvo’s first sub-100g/km CO2 diesel engine. Alternatively a turbocharged T5 unit will offer top of the range performance in terms of speed – 254hp good for a sprint from 0 to 60mph in a time of 6.7 seconds. Or anything in between will do just as fine No matter what engine and transmission, the cars will always carry a stop/start module and a brake energy recharging system.

Being Swedish, the V40 can’t roll out of the factory without ticking some safety technology features. The car is constantly aware of pedestrians and will automatically stop if it has to. The second line of pedestrian safety is the pedestrian airbag. A Lane Keeping Aid will keep you from veering in other people’s way while a City Safety low-speed collision detector will prevent bumps and crashes actually that occur within the 31mph range.

“The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, Vehicle Line Director C Cars & V40 Vehicle Programme Manager. He adds: “With this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests.”

The company hopes to sell 90,000 V40 vehicles per year with as much as 85% of them going to the European markets. The debut is set for the Geneva Motor Show next week while sales are expected to start in May.

Source: Volvo

February 28, 2012

Honda Civic Rated 5 Stars at NCAP

The latest Honda Civic has been rated 5 stars in safety by Euro NCAP. The NCAP tests are the comparable to the Oscars when it comes to automotive safety. Not only has the Civic achieved the highest possible score but, people at NCAP also want to highlight the car’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) by extending Honda‘s Euro NCAP Advanced reward because of it.

The NCAP tests take into account large amounts of data for overall pedestrian and occupant safety and announce the results in the form of easy to digest figures for the public. The Honda boasted some great qualities that won the hearts of the NCAP engineers. The “Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure” might have something to do with the Civic’s safety charm. The idea with this is to cope better with eventual car-to-car frontal accidents. The car’s structure allows better distribution of the forces experienced upon impact, which means less stress for the cabin and its occupants. A car participating in an accident with an ACE Civic may also benefit from these properties.

Pedestrian safety has also been addressed by the Honda engineers. The windscreen wiper pivots, for example, are designed to breakaway easily upon impact. Also the front wing mounds and the hood hinges have greater absorbing properties while there is enough space between the hood and the oily bits underneath which means more deformation and felxiblity.

Then there’s the standard stuff – some seriously advanced restraining for the occupants and a multitude of airbags all around to keep you safe from harm. Seriously, it has so many airbags that should they deploy all at once, there will be little to no space for you inside.

The thing is, it is hard to have a crash in a Honda Civic in the first place. Thanks to an integrated CMBS, the car can detect moving or stationary objects from around a 100m distance up ahead. After detection it quickly decides if there is going to be a collision and if so it sets your hair on fire. Well, what it actually does is send signals to you that .. hey… you might have an accident. If you fail to response, the car will then tighten the seat belts and start applying the brakes (around 2 seconds before estimated impact). If a collision is assessed as inevitable, the system stomps even harder on the brakes and straps you to the seat as harshly as possible. The really impressive thing is that this system is capable of acting upon even at speeds of up to 100km/h on a motorway for example.

So there you go – the Civic joins a family of NCAP veterans, 5 star Honda vehicles. So far, the brand might be one of the safest ever in Europe.

If you love Honda’s, check out Lemonfree.com for their inventory of Honda Civic for sale

Source: Honda

February 23, 2012

Ford Ranger is Europe’s Safest Pickup [VIDEO]

The latest version of Ford Ranger has cemented its position as the Europe’s safest pickup. It did that by passing Euro NCAP’s toughest-ever safety assessment. There has been introduced a new scoring system for 2012 and the pickup achieved the maximum possible five-star rating! This means that the vehicle remains the only one which got the whole five stars rating. In addition, the best-selling Ford Focus also got its five stars after being reassessed. The 2012 Euro NCAP ratings are the safety barometer. Obviously, safety is a core value for Ford Motor Company Ranger and Focus proves this philosophy, by meeting the highest standards demanded by Euro NCAP. Ranger has unique features designed to improve pedestrian protection performance including an under-bonnet structure which reduces the potential for pedestrian head injuries. The front bumper incorporates energy-absorbing materials designed to further enhance safety. The new Ford Ranger is the only vehicle in its class, which has achieved the highest possible rating.

httpv://youtu.be/wOlf1z7HkEU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

February 22, 2012

Volvo S60 and Volvo V60 with five star safety ratings at EURO-NCAP and US-NCAP [VIDEO]

Volvo Car Corporation achieved great success in the safety ratings with full star results on both sides of the Atlantic. First, the Volvo V60 received five stars and is named now the best car in the Large Family category in the 2011 Euro-NCAP rating. On the other side of the Atlantic, in the U.S., Volvo S60 achieved an overall five star NHTSA crash test rating as well. Obviously Volvo is keeping their promise to the customers, by offering them the safest cars on the market. This is now confirmed by several independent evaluations on different continents! But the exciting news about the V60 model doesn’t end here – it was also rewarded for the low-speed collision avoidance system City Safety. In addition to this, the model S60 was rewarded in the U.S. with an overall five stars in the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). No other car has received the whole 5-Star Safety Rating from the US-NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) in each of the three crash tests (frontal, side pole and side barrier), and in addition it also received a five-star rollover rating. The S60 is currently the only European luxury car in the U.S. that has these top NHTSA ratings, an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick, and is available with all of the active safety technologies recommended by NHTSA.

httpv://youtu.be/Cz2yFt5U3Sk

httpv://youtu.be/2LrLyd_YP8w

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

February 2, 2012

Skoda Citigo – 5 stars from Euro NCAP

The highest possible ratings in the class of city cars go for the new Citigo from ŠKODA. This automobile is with five Euro NCAP stars and was eagerly anticipated. And the effect is that the ŠKODA Citigo has received the highest number of points in its class, in tests by independent crash-test experts at Euro NCAP. Firstly Euro NCAP assessors affirmed that the overall safety packages, including its passenger, infant and pedestrian protection are exceptional. Without a doubt, ŠKODA counts on the affordable and yet uncompromising safety.

Furthermore praises for the Citigo go for the levels of passenger protection it offers. For example Euro NCAP’s assessment involves front and side collisions plus a pole test.

This car is all about safety: Next go the admirations for the infant safety. Here ŠKODA again has achieved excellent results. And to be more precise – the car received full marks in tests simulating the protection of a three-year-old child.

Moreover Euro NCAP testers praised the inclusion of head-thorax airbags as standard equipment across the Citigo range, and belt-fastening reminders on all seats.

Last but not least is to be mentioned that the ŠKODA Citigo is the first car in the city car segment (together with the Volkswagen up! and SEAT Mii) that has a low-speed, active emergency braking assistant (which was called City Safe Drive). This innovative technology helps during urban driving and operates automatically at speeds lower than 30km/h (18mph). Depending on speed and level of traffic, the system can mitigate the affects of a crash or prevent it altogether.

More details of the ŠKODA Citigo’s crash-test result are available on the Euro NCAP website at www.euroncap.com.

Source: Skoda

November 25, 2011

2012 Audi Q3 – Crash Test

Audi Q3 has earned the maximum 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. 2012 Audi Q3 is the safest vehicle in its category. It managed to pass all tests for passive safety – adult safety in a side, frontal or rear collision, for child safety and pedestrian protection.

The 2012 Audi Q3 will certainly come with front side airbags and curtain side airbags, plus full power assists. There is also a fasten seatbelt reminder for the front and the rear seat passengers.

The pedestrian protection is at very high level, too. Audi Q3 comes with standard daytime running lights, which provide greater visibility, especially for pedestrians.

Safety assistance systems include ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Audi active lane assist and Audi side impact.

2012 Q3 is priced at £24 560 OTR and features superb technologies and innovations. It will be available from November with 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature a new development of the acclaimed 7-speed S tronic transmission.

Check out the crash test video, below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1WiEzOLQQs

Source: Crashtest via Youtube

October 27, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Captiva – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

The new Chevrolet Captiva managed to achieve top five-star Euro NCAP rating. The SUV gathered 88% rating overall for adult occupant protection in the event of a collision. The Captiva joins the Orlando, Volt, Cruze and New Aveo in Chevrolet’s five-star line-up – cars that were already highly regarded for their five-star equipment levels, but also excel in safety terms as well.

“It’s great news that the Captiva has gained a five-star Euro NCAP rating – it proves that the design appeal of our new range of vehicles is more than just skin deep. We might have one of the most modern and best-looking model ranges on the market, but safety is just as paramount as kerbside appeal, and the current Chevrolet line-up clearly delivers both.”, commented Chevrolet UK Managing Director Mark Terry.

“Customers can really choose a Chevrolet with confidence. Not one of our current models is more than two years old. Modern design, safety and reliability are key reasons for choosing a Chevrolet, not to mention the fact we still offer some of the best value cars on the market.”, added Mark Terry.

Standard safety equipment includes standard Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Descent Control, front, side and roof curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, 3×3-point rear seatbelts, ISOFIX child restraint system, active head restraints, a releasable pedal assembly and an electronic parking brake.

2011 Chevrolet Captive is available with a new 2.2 liter common-rail turbodiesel with a nice 184PS (135 kW). The price starts from just £21 995.

Source: Chevrolet

October 26, 2011

2012 Toyota Yaris – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

2012 Toyota Yaris has earned top five-star rating for all-round safety performance by passing through Euro NCAP independent crash testing. The small city car meets all high standards for the 2011 test programme and its were good enough to comply with the higher five-star threshold that will be introduced in 2012.

2012 Yaris comes with seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag. The driver and front passenger side airbags have a new two-chamber design that improves protection with larger cushions – eight litres for the thorax/abdomen area and 4.5 litres for the pelvis.

There are also numerous features designed to reduce the risk of injuries to pedestrians. The front bumper contains energy absorbing materials that reduce the impact energy directed at a pedestrian’s legs, and a pantograph bonnet structure also absorbs energy to protect the head and body in a collision. There is a crushable cowl louvre at the rear edge of the bonnet, and the front wings have an impact absorbing brackets.

The small car also benefits from a comprehensive package of active safety systems, including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Corner Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.

2012 Toyota Yaris is available with 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel. It also can be opted with Multidrive S, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT), features a manual override, sequential seven-step mode that the driver can operate using either the gearshift lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The pricing starts at just £11 170.

Source: Toyota

October 26, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

2012 Ford Ranger has achieved a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.The Ranger scored 89% for overall safety, which is the best score ever earned by a pick-up truck.

“Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians.”, he added.

“With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”, finished Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.

Using sophisticated computer modelling, engineers assessed more than 9 000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were undertaken. These virtual simulations allowed the engineers to optimise the vehicle structure and safety systems to provide the maximum levels of protection possible in a wide-range of real-world collisions. All this was achieved before any real prototype vehicle was built and subjected to crash testing.

2012 Ranger comes with side curtain airbags, new side airbags, front airbags and driver’s knee airbag. All these come as standard as well as three-point safety belts for all seating positions, with pre-tensioners and load limiter for the front seats.

On top of the occupant safety technologies, the all-new Ranger has been engineered with the latest pedestrian protection features. This includes a “hexageneous” under-bonnet structure to reduce the potential for pedestrian head injuries, and a pedestrian-friendly front bumper design incorporating energy-absorbing materials.

Last, but not least, the new Ranger features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that uses advanced sensors to constantly monitor the vehicle’s behaviour and assist stability and control. There are also Adaptive Load Control provides additional stability assurance for drivers dealing with heavy payloads and Hill Descent Control ensures that the brakes will be applied to control the vehicle at a set speed. Or when stopping on a steep grade, Hill Launch Assist helps the driver to pull away confidently without creeping backwards, even when fully laden.

Source: Ford

October 26, 2011

Tag: NCAP