What's all this about?
Euro NCAP, fresh from testing the Tesla Model S and other cars, has subjected another load of crucial new vehicles to its rigorous crash tests to ensure they're safe for occupants and pedestrians alike.
Which cars come out best?
As the first ever Porsche tested by Euro NCAP, the Macan 2.0 TFSI - a model yet to come to these shores - bagged the full five stars straight out of the box. Other fresh metal that comes with the highest commendation includes the Lexus NX, the Subaru Outback, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the Ford Mondeo, the Kia Sorento and the Volkswagen Passat.
Were there any particular failures?
Not as such, although both the MINI Cooper and new Vauxhall Corsa didn't manage to get top marks, both gleaning four-star ratings from NCAP; that must be a disappointment to the relevant manufacturers. The MINI's lower scores came on safety assist systems, while the Corsa was criticised for poor whiplash protection for occupants in the event of a rear-end smash.
What else was tested?
Both the new Smarts - the Fortwo and the Forfour - went through the procedure, receiving four-star ratings due to poor to middling pedestrian protection. The Dacia Logan MCV, meanwhile, only raked in three stars; understandable, given its budget build status, but not much comfort to adult occupants (57 per cent protection rating) and pedestrians (55 per cent) who might be involved in an accident involving an MCV. It also only got 38 per cent for safety assist systems, due to its low-tech character, although it did score 75 per cent for child occupant protection.
Matt Robinson - 4 Dec 2014