Four new small cars have scored a best-possible five star result in Euro NCAP's new rating system, which includes results for pedestrian safety.
The Hyundai iX35, Suzuki Swift, Citroen C4 and Honda's new hybrid Honda CR-Z all scored five stars, with the Honda CR-Z scoring an impressive 71 per cent for pedestrian safety.
"The Honda CR-Z demonstrates that good all round safety needs not be compromised by a fuel efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain: its pedestrian protection result continues the high scores achieved by recently tested Hondas," say ENCAP spokespersons.
Manufacturers are also being assessed on the inclusion, or not, of standard-fit (no additional cost) safety systems. The Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai models all include electronic stability control as standard.
The base model Citroen C4 is offered with ESC as an option in Europe but qualifies for five stars "as sales of ESC as standard equipment are expected to far outstrip those of the optionally equipped car," according to ENCAP.
ENCAP believes its new "requirements on ESC have encouraged much broader fitment of this important technology by car manufacturers, ahead of the European legislation which will begin in 2012 for new car models and 2014 for all cars."
ENCAP is introducing an assessment program focussed on the inclusion of latest safety systems. The program, called Euro NCAP Advanced, will "assess those technologies which are beyond the scope of the current crash tests". That includes features such as speed limiters, included as standard on the Citroen C4 which helped its five-star cause.
The Euro NCAP Advanced program begins in October. Results will be made available at the upcoming Paris motor show (October 2 -- 17).
Euro NCAP's Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said: "I am looking forward to the launch of Euro NCAP Advanced. The new assessments will broaden the scope of our safety assessments and will greatly enhance the information we are able to provide to consumers. It is reassuring that, as well as developing these new advanced technologies, manufacturers are not neglecting fundamental crash protection and today's results show that carmakers are still striving for the very best levels of protection."
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