Jeep Compass disappoints, Honda Civic impresses
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Euro NCAP starts 2012 with the release of two new vehicles. Interestingly, these results unmistakably highlight the step forwards made in the market place by some car manufacturers and the lack of progress by others.
Since the revamp of Euro NCAP’s rating in 2009, the safety organisation has upped the ante in safety by raising its criteria for 5 stars annually. In 2012, any car awarded 5 stars should achieve an overall score of at least 80%, while scoring at least 80% of the available points in Adult Protection, 75% in Child Protection, 60% in Pedestrian Protection and 60% in Safety Assist. This translates into significantly safer vehicles for consumers today, in particular on pedestrian protection offered where the average 5 star car barely exceeded the 25% limit just a few years back.
The recently refreshed Jeep Compass achieved only two stars against the 2012 criteria, underachieving in most areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment. The compact SUV was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed a poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test. In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23%. Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe, but the Jeep Compass did not demonstrate itself as strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category.
Euro NCAP is also publishing the results of the new Honda Civic, awarded the maximum five star rating. The 9th generation family hatchback achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment. The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology rewarded by Euro NCAP Advanced in 2010.
Eight cars assessed last year also meet the more stringent requirements for 5 stars in 2012. Euro NCAP has re-issued the 5 star rating for 2012 for the following vehicles: BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, Ford Focus, Ford Ranger, Mercedes M Class, Nissan LEAF, Subaru XV and Volvo V60.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, said: ‘The results published today show clearly that a 5 star these days means a lot more than a 5 star some years ago. Many car makers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets. Consumers interested in a fair comparison will not be fooled by these results.’