You may have seen coverage this morning on BBC TV and Radio 4 concerning the poor crash test performance of the Nissan Navara pick-up. The Nissan was part of a 3 vehicle pick-up crash test conducted by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), which also included the Isuzu pick-up and the Mitsubishi L200.
Euro NCAP awarded the Nissan Navara just one star out of a possible five for adult occupant protection, whilst the Isuzu Rodeo scored two stars in the same test.
It is important to note that these concerning crash test ratings are not generic to all pick-ups. The best of all the pick-ups tested by Euro NCAP was the Mitsubishi L200, which received a four star out of five result in adult occupant protection.
L200’s four star rating in adult occupant protection is testimony to the vehicles strong safety design and the inclusion of a number of ‘passive’ safety features in the event of an accident.
Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) technology combines a strong ladder frame chassis, front crumple zones which absorb impact energy and strategic reinforcement which helps to maintain the integrity of the cabin and so protect the occupants.
‘Brake away’ pedal design and construction reduces lower limb injury at the time of collision.
Seat belts with pretensioner/force limiter helps to restrain drivers and front passengers in any impact, whilst side impact bars help protect occupants from side collisions.
L200 also offers a range of ‘active’ safety features to help protect against accidents in the first place:
It is the only pick-up on the market which offers active stability and traction control (MASTC) (DC Warrior and above) which optimises braking and power to each wheel individually, minimising skids and ensuring maximum grip under all driving conditions.
L200 also offers Super Select 4WD (DC Warrior and above) allowing you to use 4WD on tarmac in a variety of conditions and a best in class braking distance.
The links below will take you straight through to the BBC News story as well as the Euro NCAP pick-up test reports.
