Mustang better, Europeans way better, in latest NCAP tests

Euro NCAP's latest safety ratings of six new cars and the Ford Mustang facelift are the usual mix of better and best.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Seat Ibiza and VW Arteon were all awarded a maximum five-star rating; Honda's new Civic got four stars; and the Mustang three stars in its latest form.

The Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highest-scoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date. The Stelvio did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection with a near perfect 97% score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

NCAP said the Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment. Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a well deserved five star rating.

Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said: "The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all. It is to Seat's credit they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it."

In the small family car category, the new i30 got five stars for good performance across the board. The redesigned Civic was let down by lower than expected protection offered to children but was still rated as a solid four star car.

Earlier this year, the Mustang scored a disappointing two stars in Euro NCAP testing. Ford responded by making AEB and lane assistance standard on its facelifted model and has introduced improvements for its frontal airbags. With these changes, the latest Mustang has reached three stars.

Added van Ratingen: "It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP's call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford. While a three star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang's safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation."