Euro NCAP crash test results June 2003 - Introduction

MPVs lead the way in Euro NCAP’s latest round of crash testing. The latest Espace gains five stars, maintaining Renault’s clear lead as the make with the most top-rated models in its line-up.

Peugeot’s 807 now joins the Espace. When first tested at the start of the year it missed its fifth star by a whisker, but has fitted seatbelt reminder systems for the driver and front passenger. And, because Citroen’s C8 and Fiat’s latest Ulysse are technically similar, they earn five stars, too.

At the other extreme lies the Kia Sedona, which gains just two stars for occupant safety. This is an older design of MPV which suffered in the frontal test, exposing its driver to head, chest and leg injuries.

The news for pedestrians remains gloomy, however. Many of the cars tested gained just one star for pedestrian safety. And even Honda, the make taking a lead in this area, achieved two stars for its latest Accord where the latest-model Civic and CR-V gained three.

The emphasis continues on the fitting of audible and visual reminders that occupants should buckle up and a number of vehicles – such as the Peugeot 807 – gain a fifth star because they feature such a device. A high proportion of car occupants killed in severe accidents are unbelted, even in Britain where most drivers routinely wear seatbelts.

These tests span from Citroen’s Pluriel to Volvo’s XC90 off-roader. However, cars of different size and weights should not be compared directly. Generally, bigger vehicles shield passengers from harm better because they are heavier and have roomier cabins. That said, as some of these results show, big strides have been made to strengthen smaller cars.