“Jeep Compass disappoints, Honda Civic impresses,” is how Euro NCAP described crash test results for two new models.
Since the revamp of Euro NCAP’s rating in 2009, the safety organisation has raised its criteria for five stars annually. In 2012, any car awarded five should achieve an overall score of at least 80%, while scoring at least 80% of the available points in adult protection, 75% in child protection, 60% in pedestrian protection and 60% in safety assist. This translates into significantly safer vehicles, in particular on pedestrian protection offered where the average five star car barely exceeded the 25% limit just a few years ago.
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The recently updated Chrysler Group Jeep Compass achieved only two stars against the 2012 criteria, underachieving in most areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment. The compact SUV was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test. In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23%.
“Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe but the Compass did not demonstrate itself as strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category,” Euro NCAP said.
The redesigned Honda Civic was, on the other hand, awarded the maximum five star rating. The ninth generation family hatchback achieved high scores in all areas of assessment putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment. The car scored well in safety assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s collision mitigation brake system (CMBS), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology rewarded by Euro NCAP Advanced in 2010.
Eight cars assessed last year also meet the more stringent requirements for five stars in 2012. Euro NCAP has re-issued the five star rating for 2012 for the BMW 1 series and X1, Ford Focus and Ranger, Mercedes M Class, Nissan Leaf, Subaru XV and Volvo V60.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: “The results published today show clearly that a five star these days means a lot more than a five star some years ago. Many car makers have moved on and so have we.
“Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new, are not providing the same levels [of] safety as the newest models developed against the new targets.
“Consumers interested in a fair comparison will not be fooled by these results.”
