Besides the Tesla Model S, Euro NCAP’s latest crash test session also involved four new models for the European market: the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, Nissan Pulsar, Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Celerio.
Additionally, the Renault Megane was reassessed after the French compact car received just three stars this summer.
BMW 2-Series Active Tourer
BMW’s first front-wheel drive production car did very well, scoring five stars overall, with an 84 percent rating for adult occupant protection, 85 percent for child occupant protection, 60 percent for pedestrian protection and 70 percent for safety assist systems. Euro NCAP noted that the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger, but weak protection of the driver’s lower legs.
Nissan Pulsar
The Japanese carmaker’s new compact hatchback also received five stars overall, with a score of 84 percent for adult occupants, 81 percent for child occupants, 75 percent for pedestrians and 68 percent for safety assist systems. While dummy readings indicated good protection of the legs and femurs of both the driver and passenger, in the side barrier test, protection of all body regions was good except for the chest, with protection being judged as adequate. The front seats offer marginal protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.
Skoda Fabia
A five-star rating was earned by the Czech supermini too, with a rating of 81 percent for adult occupants, 81 percent for child occupants, 69 percent for pedestrians and 69 percent for safety assist systems. In the side barrier test and in the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest and abdomen was rated as adequate and that of the head and pelvis was good.
Suzuki Celerio
The Indian-made Suzuki Celerio was the poorest performer, with an overall rating of three stars (61 percent adult occupants, 74 percent child occupants, 68 percent pedestrians and 38 percent safety assist). Readings from the lower legs of the driver dummy indicated a marginal level of protection for this part of the body. The car did not qualify for assessment in the side pole test because a side impact airbag is available as an option and not standard. As a result, no points were awarded.
Renault Megane
Finally, the Renault Megane returned for a new assessment and received a four-star overall rating, one extra star compared to July 2014. That’s because Renault has addressed the seatbelt reminder system so that it meets Euro NCAP’s requirements. The compact hatchback scored 83 percent for adult occupants, 78 percent for child occupants, 60 percent for pedestrians and 56 percent for safety assist systems.
PHOTO GALLERY
