Crash safety testing authority, Euro NCAP, has rushed through 14 crash tests in the lead-up to Christmas 2011. Not all the car companies will be celebrating however.
Renault's Fluence ZE electric vehicle was rated four stars for pedestrian and adult protection. According to Euro NCAP's report, this places the Renault on the same level of safety as the significantly smaller (and older design) Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but behind other electric vehicles new to market, the Opel Ampera and Nissan LEAF primarily. And sharing a platform with the Opel is the Chevrolet Volt, which scored five stars in the same round of crash testing and will arrive in Australia next year, badged as a Holden.
Two other car companies bound to be disappointed by their products' respective showing in the Euro NCAP crash testing are Jaguar and Jeep. The Jag XF, facelifted recently, has been lightly upgraded for pedestrian safety and features seatbelt reminders, but the aggregate score simply wasn't enough to warrant a five-star rating.
Surprisingly, given the Grand Cherokee's Mercedes M-Class DNA, the Jeep didn't live up to its promise. It too, was rated four stars only. According to Euro NCAP, child protection as poor and in the frontal impact test, a rail to which the driver's seatbelt was affixed nearly broken in two. As a consequence, the test dummy's head was able to make contact with the steering wheel rim, even through the fabric of the airbag.
Of the other cars tested, those of importance to Aussie readers and scored a full five stars were: Chevrolet (Holden) Malibu (pictured), Chevrolet (Holden) Volt, Kia Rio, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Range Rover Evoque, Subaru XV, Volkswagen New Beetle and Volkswagen up!
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