Euro NCAP has released the latest round of crash test results - and in doing so, promised that it's going to get tougher for car manufacturers.
Like the yearly publication of GCSE and A-Level results, the raft of candidates scoring increasingly high scores is leading to a wider assumption that the tests are too easy.
The latest results show the Audi A6, BMW X3, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Orlando, Citroen DS5, Hyundai i40, Vauxhall Ampera, VW Golf Cabriolet and VW Jetta all getting five-star results.
Dishonourable mention, however, goes to the new Kia Picanto, which takes its first blow after gaining largely beaming reviews. It scores four stars, "a result poorer than many of its city car competitors," according to Euro NCAP.
The Picanto suffered largely because Kia doesn't fit electronic stability control (ESC) across the range as standard. "In 2011, consumers should expect this critical safety equipment to be part of any offering regardless of car size or price," says a Euro NCAP statement. However, Kia Motors (UK) eased buyers fears by pointing out that all Picantos sold in Britain are fitted with ESC.
Euro NCAP is toughening up the rules for pedestrian protection from 2012 - an area that manufacturers are evidently neglecting, with cars achieving consistently lower scores in that category than in adult and child occupant protection.
The five-star Vauxhall Ampera, Audi A6 and Citroen DS5 met the minimum requirement for pedestrian safety needed to achieve a five-star ranking, but would fail according to the upcoming 2012 standards.
Mark Nichol - 25 Aug 2011