Latest Euro NCAP ratings round up

Crash safety organisation Euro NCAP has released details of the latest new cars being put through their paces in the name of safety.We have already covered the news elsewhere that the first ever Infiniti car sent to Euro NCAP has been judged a 5 star car as their luxury SUV the FX received a glowing report.Vauxhall have reason to celebrate also with news that the all new Astra has been awarded the top 5 star award. Euro NCAP gave its highest points ever for the Astra’s active head restraints, which protect against whiplash – which is the most common occupant injury suffered when a car is struck from behind. Vauxhall’s active head restraint system is also completely reversible, requiring no dealer reset after a rear-end collision. The Astra also benefits from dual seat belt pre-tensioners which help keep the occupants' hips in place during a crash.Other safety equipment comprises six airbags, a smart seat belt reminder system and a passenger airbag deactivation switch to allow child seats to be placed on the front passenger seat.  ABS with numerous assistance functions, traction control, adaptive brake lights and Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) are also included in the Astra’s safety armoury.Chevrolet has had two new cars rated by Euro NCAP - the Cruze, and forthcoming Spark (featured in the summer blockbuster Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen film).The Chevrolet Cruze, which is a four door saloon replacing the Lacetti on the American firms UK roster, has been available in the UK for several months already, and now the car can now boast of a 5 star Euro NCAP rating. The Cruze received a maximum 16 points in the frontal offset collision and a maximum 8 points in the side impact test against a moving deformable barrier, making it the first passenger car to receive maximum scores in both tests since Euro NCAP began providing crash test ratings in 1997."We are pleased with the Cruze's outstanding safety rating," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe. "Today's results confirm that the Cruze offers benchmark safety. This complements its bold styling, excellent ride and handling, and outstanding value for money."The second Chevrolet car, the Spark, was awarded an overall score of 4 stars in the tests, coming within a single point of attaining a 5 star award."The outstanding performance of our new mini-car in stringent Euro NCAP testing reflects our attention to safety as well as eye-catching styling and great packaging," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "The Spark meets the high expectations of mini-car buyers in Europe's mature markets."The car performed well for child protection were the it scored maximum points in Child Restraint System dynamic performance tests, which evaluate child protection from possible injuries in various types of crashes.Mazda too had a car put through its paces at Euro NCAP, with the new Mazda3 coming out with a top 5 star award. It performed strongly in every category with high ratings in Adult Occupant Protection, Child Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist.

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