Focus, XC40, get 5-star EuroENCAP rating

Ford Focus, photo courtesy EuroNCAP.

Two new cars have achieved a 5-star safety rating in the latest round of EuroNCAP crash tests, writes Brian Byrne.

They are Ford's new generation Focus and Volvo's XC40.

The Volvo scored best in adult occupant protection, gaining a 97pc rating, against the Focus's 85pc. For child occupants, the Ford and Volvo were awarded 87pc.

The Focus achieved a 72pc rating for vulnerable road users protection, marginally ahead of the 71pc for the XC40.

Both cars were tested under the 2018 rating system, which is significantly updated from previous years and should not be directly compared to ratings of cars prior to this year.

Volvo XC40, photo courtesy EuroNCAP.

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Latest results from Euro NCAP

In its latest round of safety crash tests, Euro NCAP have awarded three stars out of a possible five, to the Renault Trafic business and family van; three stars to the Opel Vivaro business and family van, and on cars, four stars to the Audi TT Roadster Sport.

The Trafic was awarded 52pc for Adult Occupant protection, 91pc for Child Occupant protection, 53pc for Pedestrian protection and 57 percent for Safety Assist. The model tested was the Renault Trafic dCi 115 Combi in LHD, an 8/9 seat van body type.

The Opel Vivaro, identical to the Renault Trafic and with the same safety equipment, was given the same results as the results are based on tests performed on the Trafic.

The new Audi TT was awarded 81pc for Adult Occupant protection, 68pc for Child Occupant protection, 82 pc for pedestrian protection and 64 percent for safety assist. The TT was launched in January priced from €47,550 OTR. While offered in three engines - two petrol engines and a diesel - the 2.0 TDI 184bp ultra engine with manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, is expected to be the volume seller here. Annual road tax for this model, which can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, is €190.

Euro NCAP provides consumers with an independent assessment of the safety level of the most popular vehicles sold in Europe.

Latest results from EuroNCAP

In the latest batch of safety test results from EuroNCAP, two vehicles received a maximum five-star rating, writes Trish Whelan. These were the Nissan X-Trail and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Business and Family van-type vehicle.

The X-Trail SUV (pictured left) was rewarded for crash avoidance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning. The model tested was the 1.6 diesel in left hand drive. The X-Trail is priced from €30,950.

The V-Class achieved the highest scores amongst the eight Business and Family Vans tested so far. The model tested was the 2.2 diesel. V-Class will arrive here early next year with a choice of three body lengths - prices will be announced closer to launch.

The Citroen C4 Cactus small family car received four stars. The testers said it had received a creditable result against their tougher requirements.

The model tested was a 5-door hatchback, 1.2 'Feel' in left hand drive. Cactus has recently gone on sale here priced from €17,795-€23,845.

Latest Euro NCAP test results

The latest Euro NCAP results show that not all vehicles are meeting with the tougher safety requirements, writes Trish Whelan.

The latest batch of models to have undergone the stringent Euro NCAP crash tests are the Citroen Berlingo, Toyota Aygo, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the Renault Twingo (soon to be launched here).

The Mercedes GLA-Class SUV (GLA200 CDI 'Urban') reached the maximum award of five stars; with 96 percent for adult occupant/88 for child occupant, 67 for pedestrian, and 70 percent for safety assist.

PSA Peugeot Citroen offerings of the Peugeot 108, Citroen C1 are identical to the Toyota Aygo in every way likely to influence safety, so these cars share the Aygo's four star safety rating - 80 percent adult occupant protection, 80 for child occupant, 62 for pedestrian and 56 percent for Safety Assist.

The Renault Twingo model was awarded four stars scoring 78 percent adult occupant protection, 81 for child occupant, 68 for pedestrian, and 56 percent for Safety Assist.

The Citroen Berlingo tested was the 1.6 diesel small MPV. It was awarded three stars, scoring 56 percent for adult occupant protection, 74 for child, 63 pedestrian and 48 percent for safety Assist.