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NEWS
Toyota, Skoda, Renault score top safety marks
Euro NCAP hands out five stars to four new vehicles under its tougher testing routineThe latest round of crash test data from Europe's independent crash safety authority, Euro NCAP, has seen the new Toyota RAV4, Skoda Octavia and Renault ZOE electric car achieved top marks, along with the Toyota Auris, aka Corolla hatch.
The new Toyota RAV4 (pictured), which was launched in Australia in late February, becomes the first SUV to attain a maximum five-star safety rating from the recently revised Euro NCAP testing program, with a stricter testing regime implemented in 2013, intended to make it tougher to score five-stars.
The breakdown of the Euro NCAP test results showed the new fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 to have good adult and child occupant protection – 89 and 82 per cent respectively – while safety assist and pedestrian protection both scored 66 per cent.
Euro NCAP indicated the Toyota SUV's pedestrian protection was good in some areas, but criticised others: "The bumper provided good protection to pedestrians' legs in all areas tested and scored maximum points. However, the front edge of the bonnet scored no points, offering poor protection to the pelvis area."
The Toyota Auris (badged as a Corolla hatch in Australia) also scored top marks, recording better overall safety percentages than the RAV4, scoring 92 per cent for adult occupant protection, 84 per cent for the child occupant protection, 68 per cent for pedestrian protection and 66 per cent for safety assist features.
The third generation Skoda Octavia scored a five-star safety rating under Euro NCAP's tougher testing program, and was commended for offering high end safety technology such as Front Assistant, Lane Assistant, Multi Collision, Brake and Crew Protect Assistants. Together with an 'active' bonnet the car achieved a strong 82 per cent score for pedestrian safety, outranking the other three vehicles tested.
Skoda's new Octavia, which is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2013, scored better adult occupant protection than both Toyotas: 93 per cent. It scored 86 per cent for child occupant protection and 66 per cent for safety assist features.
The Renault ZOE also proved that electric cars can be ultra-safe, also scoring a five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing. Based on the same platform as the Renault Clio, and looking likely to be introduced to Australia, the ZOE scored 89 and 80 per cent for adult and child occupant protection respectively. Pedestrian protection scored 66 per cent but safety assist features scored 85 per cent thanks to features like seatbelt reminders for all occupants and speed limit scanning function.
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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