Fiesta marks Euro NCAP anniversary
Back in September 1997 the Euro NCAP crash safety programme launched with a series of impact tests one of which was the 1997 Ford Fiesta.
Twenty years on and Euro NCAP has published test results from the brand new 2017 Ford Fiesta boasting a Five Star Euro NCAP rating.
‘When you compare the impact testing for the 1997 Ford Fiesta with the 2017 version, you don’t have to be an expert to recognise a distinct progression in car safety over the past 20 years,’ commented Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research. ‘The dummy in the 1997 model endures a heavy head-strike against the B-Pillar and there is serious intrusion in the side impact test too. The structure was just not stable. Today however, the 2017 Ford Fiesta offers far, far greater levels of protection to its occupants. What better way to demonstrate the positive impact of the Euro NCAP testing programme as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary?’
Although the 2017 Ford Fiesta achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP rating, the car does not come with standard-fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Matthew continued, ‘That one of the UK’s best-selling vehicles is a Five Star Euro NCAP car is good news. However, its AEB system is only available as an option, which is a shame as fewer than five per cent of car buyers take up additional safety packs. For this reason the SEAT Ibiza remains our top safety choice of the Superminis launched so far in 2017.’
There were four cars tested this month in the increasingly popular SUV segment: the Renault Koleos, the Jeep Compass, the Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X and the Mazda CX-5. All were awarded a Five Star Euro NCAP rating, with the Renault Koleos performing well on crash avoidance – thanks to standard-fit AEB and lane departure warning systems – and the Mazda CX-5 scoring highest on adult occupant protection.
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Euro NCAP is hosting the ‘In Pursuit of Vision Zero’ conference on 12 September in Antwerp. Speakers at the event will reflect on 20 years of achievement and looking to the future, Euro NCAP will launch its Road Map 2025.
