The Ford Ranger’s five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test was a surprise in the sense that it was the first time a pickup truck ever achieved such a high score not only for passenger but also for pedestrian protection as well.
The independent European safety organization also released the results for 11 more new models that were tested along with the Ranger. With the emphasis given these days on safety, the five-star rating awarded in all but one of the models was to be expected.
The new vehicles crash-tested by the Euro NCAP this month were the Audi Q3, BMW 1-Series, Chevrolet Captiva, Fiat Freemont, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Veloster, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, Lancia Thema, Lancia Voyager and Toyota Yaris.
All of the above received the five-star rating sans the Chrysler-sourced Lancia Voyager, which was awarded four stars. It must be noted that the Voyager, along with the Mercedes M-Class, Lancia Thema and the Fiat Freemont, had active bonnets, which are activated by sensors and pop up in the event of a collision in order to offer better pedestrian protection. Nevertheless, the Voyager had the worst score in this particular test with 47 percent.
