Crash test creases Chinese car

Audi A1, the BMW Mini Countryman, the Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX, the Kia Sportage, the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and the facelifted VW Passat were rewarded Euro NCAP’s with five star results. The Nissan Micra obtained four stars. 

As well unexpectedly received four stars the only executive car in this testing - the Jaguar XF. Its rating was reduced by adult and child occupant protection. In the side pole impact of the XF, chest protection was rated as weak and the car’s seat and head restraint provided marginal whiplash protection.

The Kia Venga has been reassessed shortly after its market introduction and has been awarded with a five star result. In February 2010, Euro NCAP highlighted some weaknesses in the car’s performance in the frontal impact test leading to a four star rating. Kia has made modifications to the front of the car and has advanced the restraint systems to increase the protection of adult and child occupants. With this, Kia has demonstrated their wish to achieve the highest level of safety for its vehicles.

The Volkswagen Amarok obtained four stars. It is offering best pedestrian protection so far tested by Euro NCAP. However, there is a low level of chest protection in the side pole test. From the same stable, Euro NCAP has tested the five door MPV VW Sharan. This car has exactly the same platform, interior fittings and levels of safety equipment as the new Seat Alhambra and the five star rating applies to both vehicles.

Poor results were shown by Chinese carmaker – Landwind. After a failure of first introduction in the European market in 2005, Landwind returns with the CV9, a mid-sized MPV that achieved two stars in Euro NCAP’s assessment. Trying to remove its poor safety history, Landwind hopes to make a strong comeback with the CV9, which according to the Chinese carmaker "has been revamped to meet the strictest European safety standards". However in comparison to competitive vehicles in this segment the car stays poorly equipped, lacking a side protection airbag, a head protection device and electronic stability control. The car was limited to a two star rating by its overall performance although it came close to meeting the three star threshold for adult occupant protection.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, says "It is clear that vehicles from China, India and other emerging countries will in the next few years become commonplace on European roads. Euro NCAP will ensure that consumers know what levels of safety are offered by these vehicles. By highlighting differences in safety performance, we aim to drive the safety of all cars towards and beyond the high levels we see from more well-established manufacturers. We are confident that Landwind and others will rise to this challenge."