Euro NCAP announces major faceliftINTERNET LAUNCH OF RESULTS
Euro NCAP today releases the results of two new Superminis, the MINI Cooper and the Peugeot 207CC, which have both achieved the coveted award of five stars for adult occupant protection. Just as these manufacturers have improved the level of safety in their cars, Euro NCAP is pleased to announce that it is setting its own standards higher and improving the service it offers to consumers.
On 8th May 2007, Euro NCAP will be revealing its new visual identity and crucially, offering consumers greater flexibility in comparing the results of crash tests through its new and improved website.
Euro NCAP Secretary General, Adrian Hobbs said ‘Euro NCAP exists to serve our consumers with the latest car safety information so they can make an informed purchasing decision. It is logical that we as an organisation should also offer that information in the most up-to-date way possible. It is our intention that consumers will be able to view video clips showing crash tests. This will add a new dimension to car safety information.’
With the achievement of a five star score, BMW has upped the level of safety for adult occupants in the new MINI Cooper since the last model version of the car was tested in 2002. The Peugeot 207 CC also reveals that it is not a car just designed to embellish the driving experience, but also that it is a safe car for adults. Unfortunately it was not possible to assess the protection afforded to children in the 207CC1. Both cars achieved a poor two-star score in pedestrian protection.
On 8th May 2007 at the Bridgestone Testing Ground near Rome, Euro NCAP’s new visual identity and website will be launched at the same time as the Choose ESC! Campaign. At this event, Euro NCAP will also be presenting the results of our Europe-wide ESC fitment survey.
Guidelines for Euro NCAP’s new visual identity will be made available to manufacturers and media from that date.
Results released today are in the Supermini category.
The ratings for these cars can be seen in more detail at www.euroncap.com. The complete test results will be available from 20th April 2007.
Please don’t hesitate to ask us if you need film footage on this month’s test results.
Euro NCAP’s commitment to consumers ensures that test results are released as soon as possible. Keep checking our website for details of forthcoming results.
For further information please contact: Cordelia Wilson, Communications Manager +32 2 4007746 or E-mail.
1 The car was not large enough to fit the recommended child restraints on the rear seats, with the front seats in the normal position for average sized occupants.
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Editors’ notes
- With the introduction some time ago of the Child Occupant Protection rating it is important to refer to the Adult Occupant Protection rating correctly. In the past, this has been referred to as the “Overall” or “Occupant” rating. Neither of these is now satisfactory.
- The front impact test is conducted at 64km/h (40mph) into an offset deformable barrier, the side impact test 50km/h (30mph), the pole test at 29km/h (18mph) and the pedestrian tests at 40km/h (25mph).
- Comparison between Size Categories: It is essential that no attempt is made to compare the ratings between cars in different segments or mass groups. The frontal crash test aims to measure the performance of the car impacting another car of similar mass. There is no capability to determine what would happen if cars of widely different masses impact each other. It is not primarily the mass difference that has the effect, but the effect that mass has on the structural stiffness combined with the relative height of the structures from the ground.