It was good news for SEAT, Alfa Romeo, Hyundai, Vauxhall and Volkswagen in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results published today.
The SEAT Ibiza was singled out for praise by the UK’s Thatcham Research, with director of research Matthew Avery claiming that “SEAT has set a new benchmark in safety for the supermini price point category”.
The new Ibiza has autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian autonomous emergency braking both fitted as standard on all models.
Avery believes that with other supermini launches expected for later this year, “the safety game is now on for carmakers in this category”.
More top ratings
In addition to the SEAT Ibiza, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Volkswagen Arteon, Vauxhall Insignia and Hyundai i30 all received five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP.
Despite having autonomous emergency braking as standard, the latest Honda Civic received a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating, missing out on a top rating due to a lower-than-expected child protection score.
Second chance for Ford Mustang
After drawing heavy criticism early this year when it received a two-star rating – the worst for a top 10 car manufacturer in nearly a decade – Ford submitted its flagship Mustang sports car for retesting.
Thatcham Research believes that this “underlines the power of the Euro NCAP consumer testing programme”, with manufacturers hoping to appeal to safety-conscious buyers.
Ford hoped to improve its safety rating with the addition of standard fit pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping aid. An issue with inadequate pressure in the driver’s airbag was also addressed.
This time the Ford Mustang was awarded a three-star safety rating, with Thatcham’s Matthew Avery advising that it is hardly a “cause for celebration”.
However, the Avery applauded what he described as Ford’s “rapid addition of a suite of standard-fit safety tech and its prompt updates”.
