Euro NCAP tests: how they managed to save almost 80 thousand lives

According to Euro NCAP, safety tests have helped save more than 78,000 cars. screw. The experts also calculated that since 1997 they have checked the safety of 1,800 cars and compiled 630 assessments. The whole thing cost around 160 million. euros, excluding the price of damaged cars. Started with “compacts” Euro NCAP started the first test cycle in 1997. It tested the compact Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Punto, Nissan Micra, Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio and Rover 100. At the time, the safety requirements of the cars were rated four stars (now five).

Polo and Fiesta received three stars. Punto, Micra, Corsa and Clio are rated with two stars. And specialists awarded only one star to “Rover”. By the way, none of the models at that time received more than two stars in the rating of pedestrian safety in the event of a collision. The first model to receive the highest safety rating was the Volvo S40 sedan. This happened almost six months after the compact sedan test.

What has changed in 20 years? Recently, Euro NCAP released a video comparing two cars 20 years apart during testing. Vintage cars were represented by the Rover 100, while the representative of modern times was another small Honda Jazz. Such progress by manufacturers in improving car safety has helped halve the number of fatalities. The cars were tested in identical conditions, both driving at a speed of 65 km/h. However, the potential consequences and the difference in the appearance of cars after hitting the same obstacles are obvious. According to experts, such progress by manufacturers in improving automotive safety has helped halve the number of victims. No wonder the Rover 100 received only 1 out of 4 safety stars in 1997.

However, this is not the only case where cars of different generations were compared. in 2016 the US Insurance Accident Institute (IIHS) conducted a similar experiment with the morally obsolete Nissan Sentra (Tsuru) and the 2016 Nissan Versa.

The Chevrolet Malibu (2009) and Chevrolet Bel Air (1959) did the same.

latest Euro NCAP tests: Volvo S90 and Ford Mustang The cars mentioned in the latest Euro NCAP reports didn’t just achieve the highest scores either. Volvo S90 and V90 sedan and station wagon rated “five stars”. However, the V8-powered Ford Mustang coupe scored just two stars out of a possible five (although it received the maximum number of points in IIHS testing). The Mustang has been most criticized for insufficient child protection in the event of a side impact. The effectiveness of such protection is only 32%, so a child under 10 years old can suffer a head injury. Insufficient protection of the child’s chest area even in the event of a frontal collision. READ ALSO: The new Volkswagen Tiguan gets 5 Euro NCAP stars The new Renault Scenic gets 5 Euro NCAP stars for safety As regards active and passive safety systems, the Mustang obtained only 16%. highest possible rating, because the basic equipment only had a warning alarm if you were not wearing a seat belt. True, Ford promises to make amends and start installing additional measures already this year in the basic modification: emergency braking, lane keeping, etc

However, adults can feel quite safe aboard the Mustang: Euro NCAP awarded 72%. Pedestrian safety in the event of an accident is rated at 64%. in 2016 At the end of 2018, Euro NCAP also published the test results of the following models: Ford Edge, Audi Q2 and Hyundai Ioniq each received 5 stars for models with standard equipment.

The SsangYong Tivoli (and XLV) only got 3 stars and an extra star when equipped. Even the standard Suzuki Ignis did not cross the 3-star threshold. However, equipped with additional equipment, it jumped in the rankings even up to 5 stars.

conclusion

the independent organization responsible for conducting vehicle safety tests and publishing safety ratings across Europe, is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Over the past two decades, Euro NCAP has played a crucial role in improving automotive safety standards and increasing transparency for consumers.

On this occasion, the Lithuanian automotive portal Gazas.lt is presenting not only materials from the most recent crash tests, but also a concise overview of Euro NCAP’s activities throughout the last twenty-one years.

Founded in 1997, Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) was created to provide independent and objective safety evaluations of new vehicles sold in Europe. At the time, car safety information was limited, and manufacturers were not always transparent about crash performance. By introducing standardized crash tests and a simple star rating system, Euro NCAP empowered consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Over the years, the organization has continuously updated its testing protocols to reflect technological advancements. What began with basic frontal and side-impact crash tests has expanded to include pedestrian protection, whiplash prevention, child occupant safety, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Modern assessments now evaluate features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and speed assistance systems.

Euro NCAP’s influence extends beyond consumer guidance. Its rigorous standards have encouraged automakers to significantly improve vehicle safety. Today, achieving a five-star rating is a key marketing objective for many manufacturers.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary highlights not only the organization’s longevity but also its lasting impact on reducing road fatalities and shaping safer vehicles across Europe.