As cars have been getting safer, the entities behind the rating systems have been making them increasingly stringent, up to the point where nowadays a four-star car, rated by Euro NCAP is safer or as safe as a five-star car from five years ago.
However, it is still expected that most new models will have no trouble in achieving the maximum rating, as all manufacturers now have vast experience in the field of safety and can prepare accordingly.
However, out of a batch of five cars tested by the European body for car safety, only three scored the maximum, while the other two only received four stars. The first three are the all-new Mazda6, Lexus IS300h and Toyota Corolla, while the latter two are the Opel Adam and Mitsubishi Space Star/Mirage.
According to the official report, “the Adam demonstrated good protection of all body regions except the chest, which was adequately protected. In the more severe side pole test, dummy readings of rib deflection indicated weak protection of the chest.”
For the Mitsubishi, the chest was better protected than in the Opel, but in its case, a lot of strain was put on the driver’s lower legs – it was rated as marginal in that area, and this plus the lack of a warning for when the passenger airbag is disabled dragged the score down.
All footage for all cars being tested can be found in the selection of official videos posted below.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO