Released by independent crash test specialist Euro NCAP, the results have identified the Citroen C6 as the first car to gain the maximum score available for pedestrian impacts – an area of development for which carmakers have been criticised.
And the Chevrolet Matiz was handed a ‘struck-through’ three-star rating which indicates an ‘unacceptably high’ risk of life-threatening injury in one aspect of the car’s performance. In this case, it is for chest protection in a side impact accident.
Euro NCAP chairman Claes Tingvall said: ‘It is very gratifying that Citroen has achieved four stars for pedestrian protection. A few years ago, some manufacturers claimed that it was impossible. Now it is clear that manufacturers who are committed to all-round safety can protect those outside the car without compromising the safety of those inside.’
The organisation was also impressed by the fact that all but one of the cars had seat-belt reminder systems fitted.
Latest results for occupant protection, with the number of stars awarded in brackets (maximum five), are: Chevrolet Matiz (three), Kia Rio (four), Mitsubishi Colt (four), Volkswagen Fox (four), Seat Leon (four), Mazda6 (four), Peugeot 407 coupe (five), Citroen C6 (five), Citroen Berlingo (four), Jeep Grand Cherokee (four).
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