Alt-energy vehicles hit the wall

A hybrid and an EV are among the latest batch of passenger cars to be graded the maximum five stars by Euro NCAP.

Both Nissan's LEAF and the Lexus CT200h were assessed for adult, child and pedestrian safety, as well as 'safety assist'. The two low/zero-emissions vehicles were tested along with the Citroen DS4, third-gen Ford Focus, Peugeot's 508 mid-size car and the Volvo V60 wagon.

Euro NCAP deemed all six vehicles worthy of a five-star rating, but within the distinct categories the different cars varied considerably in safety performance. For adult safety the Lexus and the Volvo achieved 94 per cent, topping the Focus (92 per cent), DS4 and 508 (both 90 per cent), with the LEAF rated at 89 per cent.

In child safety, the 508 peaked at 87 per cent, followed by CT200h (84 per cent), LEAF (83 per cent), Focus/V60 (both 82 per cent) and the DS4 (80 per cent).

At 72 per cent, the Focus finished ahead of the other cars in pedestrian safety; well ahead of LEAF (65 per cent), V60 (64 per cent), CT200h (55 per cent), DS4 (43 per cent) and 508 (41 per cent).

The Volvo achieved a full 100 per cent score in 'Safety Assist' – the measure of the car's active safety equipment. Not very far behind were the two French cars, both on 97 per cent, with CT200h (86 per cent) and LEAF (84 per cent) leaving the wooden spoon to the Focus (71 per cent).

Euro NCAP's technical staff had this to say about the LEAF: "The stiff centre console and structures surrounding the steering column posed a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of occupants of different sizes to the dummies used in the test, or to those sat in different positions."

"The protection provided by the front seats and head restraints against whiplash injuries in a rear impact was rated as marginal."

The Nissan was tested with all the electrical gear hooked up and passed the test without any electrical hazards encountered. Although the DS4 scored the lowest point score in child safety, Euro NCAP offered no specific points of criticism. There was more said about the Focus and the V60, both of which rated slightly higher than the Citroen in this category.

If a pedestrian struck by the Peugeot 508 happens to be a child, the level of protection is not bad, according to Euro NCAP, but the bonnet offers poor protection for adults.

All the cars tested will be sold in Australia eventually. The Volvo and the Lexus are already available through local dealers.

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