NCAP tests: seven new five-star cars - Toyota Prius

Overall rating: Five stars
Adult occupation score: 88%
Child protection score: 82%
Pedestrian protection: 68%
Safety assist: 85%

Euro NCAP says:

Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. The readings from the dummies indicated good protection of the knees and femurs.

Toyota showed that occupants of different sizes and those seated in different seating positions would be offered a similar level of protection.

The car scored maximum points in the side barrier test. In the more severe side pole impact, protection of the chest was rated as marginal.

Marginal protection was provided by the front seats and head restraints against whiplash injuries in a rear impact.

Child occupant
The head of the dummy representing a three-year-old, sat in a forward-facing seat, did not move forward excessively in the frontal impact. The heads of both dummies were properly contained within the shell of their respective restraints in the side impact.

The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. The dangers of doing so without first disabling the airbag are clearly explained in a label which is permanently attached to the sun visor.

Pedestrian
The bonnet offered good protection in most areas likely to be struck by a child's head. Protection of an adult's head was predominantly good or marginal, as was the protection offered to pedestrians' legs by the bumper and the front edge of the bonnet.

Safety assist
Electronic stability control is standard equipment, as is a seatbelt reminder system for the driver and front and rear passengers.