Vehicles fail over pedestrian safety

THE Skoda Superb suffered the dubious distinction of receiving no stars in one category of the latest Euro NCAP results.

Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Renault remain the only manufacturers to achieve a maximum five-star score in the European crash programme following the latest round of results.

The latest European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) results were revealed this morning and featured tests on the Skoda Superb, Vauxhall Meriva, BMW X5, Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin and MGTF.

A maximum of five stars is awarded to cars in two categories: occupant protection and pedestrian protection.

None of the cars on test achieved five stars in the latest safety roll call.

Only the Mercedes-Benz C-class and E-class, the Renault Megane, Laguna and Vel Satis and Saab 9-3 have achieved the maximum score.

In the latest tests, the Superb, Meriva, X5 and MGTF were each awarded four stars, which the organisers now say is the 'absolute minimum' they expect for safety.

The Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin was awarded three stars in the occupant protection category because the cabin became 'unstable' during frontal impact, while damage to the passenger's chest was high. However, Euro NCAP said protection in a side impact was good.

Most cars were criticised for their poor protection for pedestrians, with the Superb achieving no stars, a rare occurrence.

The organisers described the result as 'abysmal'.

The Meriva, X5 and Pinin all scored one star, but the MGTF achieved three stars. Euro NCAP was established in 1997 and is backed by five European Governments, the European Commission and motoring and consumer organisations in every EU country.

It claims to have rapidly become a catalyst for encouraging significant safety improvements to new car design.

For more details on the tests visit the Euro NCAP website at www.euroncap.com