Toyota's redesigned Yaris, the first car to be Euro NCAP rated against toughened 2020 protocols, achieved a full five stars.
The car was the first to be subjected to a new frontal offset test which replaced one used since the programme started in 1997, and was the first to feature a countermeasure for injuries in far side impacts.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The mobile progressive deformable barrier (MPDB) test assesses the protection a car offers its occupants as well as the risks it poses to the car it has crashed into. The Yaris, in general, did well, its small size and benign front end making it one of the less aggressive crash partners on the road, according to the testers. Two centre airbags inflate in side impacts to limit an occupants' travel to the opposite side of the vehicle and to mitigate the risk of occupant to occupant contact.
The Yaris also had the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense which now can stop the vehicle during turning to avoid a crash with oncoming traffic.
Euro NCAP's secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said "Congratulations to Toyota on a top rating for the Yaris. This has been a tough year for all concerned and I am grateful to Euro NCAP's labs and employees who have worked hard to deliver safety, while staying safe. We have had to adapt quickly to new working practices, and it is pleasing that the first car rated this year should have gone so far to address the safety issues that are emerging as top priorities."
Audi's e-tron Sportback variant also shared its stablemate's 2019 five star rating. And Renault's hybrid variant of the Clio was also added to the list of 2019 rated vehicles with similar performance to the combustion engine car tested last year.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData
