The Alfa Romeo Stevio, Hyundai i30, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Arteon and Vauxhall Insignia have all scored a maximum of five stars in the latest round of Euro NCAP’s crash tests.
The Belgium-based crash-testing agency praised Alfa Romeo’s first SUV – which scored 97% ? for its adult occupation protection, while the VW Arteon became the highest-scoring executive saloon and the Ibiza was commended for its high level of standard safety equipment.
Euro NCAP also assessed the Honda Civic, with the hatchback missing out on a five-star rating thanks to lower-than-expected child protection. However, the crash-testers concluded the car is still worthy of four stars.
Euro NCAP also reassessed the Ford Mustang, which earlier this year scored a dismal two stars. Ford has since responded by making automatic emergency braking and lane assistance standard on the facelifted model, while also making improvements to the frontal airbags, improving the rating to three stars.
According to Thatcham Research, the body that oversees safety testing in the UK, January’s result was the first time a car from a mainstream manufacturer has achieved a two-star rating since 2008.
“The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all,” said Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen. “It is to Seat’s credit that they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”
He added: “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford. While a three-star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford has introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”