Euro NCAP names safest cars

Euro NCAP has named the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Focus, Mercedes B-class and Volvo V60 as the best cars in their respective classes. All of the winners scored a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and performed well throughout the assessment.

The poorest result of the 53 new models tested in 2011 was that of the Dacia Duster, which launches in the UK early next year and achieved a three-star rating.

Four electric vehicles were tested in 2011 all of which underwent the same assessment as conventional vehicles but with special attention paid to the battery after the crash.

The most successful EV was the Nissan Leaf, which achieved a five-star rating.

Greater emphasis was placed on driving aids, in particular autonomous emergency braking systems (AEBs). Euro NCAP said it intends to encourage AEBs and make them a requirement for full five-star ratings.

For 2012, stricter standards will be introduced that will see the minimum score in the pedestrian safety segment rise from 40% to 60%.

Courtesy of Business Car