Manufacturers ignore calls for more safety

According to a recent Euro NCAP press release, certain manufacturers are still ignoring Euro NCAP’s call for stronger safety measures in family cars. The latest test results released are in the MPV, Small Off-Roader and Small Family categories.

This includes the the Chrysler Voyager, which has again been awarded a poor safety score of two stars with the last star struck through, seven years after it originally received a two-star result. The right hand drive MPV did not meet the minimum score for a three star Adult Occupant Protection rating.

The last star being struck through indicates unacceptably high risk of serious or fatal injury.

Euro NCAP first tested a collection of MPVs, including the Voyager, back in 1999. Only two out of eight cars received a four-star rating, the maximum available at that time. It was noted that MPVs’ were weaker in frontal impact tests.

Consequently, many manufacturers have made great improvements to their vehicles since then, particularly in this area. This includes the the Ford S-MAX was awarded 36 points and a five-star rating in August last year, making it the best performing MPV to date.

The test results also indicate some disappointing pedestrian protection scores with the Chrysler Voyager being ranked as the worst performer, scoring no points at all and being awarded no stars. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, also made by Chrysler, performed equally poorly in 2005.

The complete test results will be available from 31st January 2007.

Summary of Results

MPV

Chrysler Voyager
Occupant Protection: 2 stars strikethrough
Child Protection: 4 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 0 stars

SMALL OFF-ROADER

Chevrolet Captiva
Occupant Protection: 4 stars
Child Protection: 3 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 2 stars

SMALL FAMILY

Volkswagen Eos
Occupant Protection: 4 stars
Child Protection: 4 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 2 stars

Volvo C30
Occupant Protection: 5 stars
Child Protection: 4 stars
Pedestrian Protection: 1 star

Tags: Chevrolet Captiva Chrysler Voyager Euro NCAP Volkswagen Eos Volvo C30