Opel/Vauxhall Astra

The passenger compartment of the Astra remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy numbers showed good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. Opel/Vauxhall showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions. For both the driver and passenger, dummy readings of chest compression indicated a marginal level of protection for that part of the body. Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and analysis of the deformable barrier after the test, revealed that the Astra would be a moderately benign impact partner in a frontal collision. As in the frontal offset test, chest protection in the full-width rigid barrier impact was rated as marginal, based on dummy readings of chest compression.  In both the side barrier and pole impact tests, protection of all critical body areas was good and the car scored maximum points in this part of the assessment. Control of excursion (the extent to which a body is thrown to the other side of the vehicle when it is hit from the far side) was found to be marginal. The Astra does not have a counter-measure, such as a centre airbag, to mitigate against occupant to occupant injuries in such impacts. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.  A geometric analysis of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection.  The Astra has an advanced eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash but, as this is an option, it was not included in this assessment.   The car also has a system which applies the brakes after an impact, to avoid secondary collisions.