Is NCAP a five-star fudge?

Two superminis have scored the maximum five stars for occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash tests: the Peugeot 1007 and the Renault Modus. However, there is mounting concern about Euro NCAP's methodology and the importance attached to its results. The Euro NCAP crash tests focus on three different collisions: a frontal impact into a deformable barrier at 40 mph, a 30 mph side impact 'sled test' and a side impact test where the car hits a static pole at 18 mph. The crash tests are therefore not an overall indicator of car safety. Consumers fail to understand that the results cannot be compared from class to class, as larger heavier cars continue to protect their occupants better than smaller, lighter vehicles. The popularity of the Euro NCAP ratings has led to accusations that manufacturers are engineering cars specifically to pass the tests. BMW, Ford and the AA are calling for the Euro NCAP tests to be extended to cover primary safety features such as electronic stability programmes.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13558293
• Publication Date: 2005-3-15

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 24-5
• Serial:
  • AUTOCAR
  • Publisher: HAYMARKET MAGAZINES LTD
  • ISSN: 1355-8293

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Impact tests; Safety; Test procedures; Vehicle occupants; Vehicles
• Geographic Terms: Europe
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 8034: Europe; 1648: Impact test (crash); 1665: Safety; 6288: Test method; 1255: Vehicle; 1715: Vehicle occupant
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01030195
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Aug 7 2006 1:24PM