Car safety organisation European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has called on motorists to ensure the next vehicle they choose is fitted with electronic stability control. Known as electronic stability programme (ESP) or vehicle stability control, it is the first time that Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent crash test organisation, has recommended such technology as a “key safety feature”.

Euro NCAP’s call accompanied the crash test results for 12 new models – a 13th, the Dacia Logan, is not sold in the UK – published last month (June) and comes at a time when the technology is being billed as the new essential accident prevention feature (see pages 41 to 44). Although Euro NCAP says that stability control systems are available from most manufacturers, data from Robert Bosch – which provides many of the carmakers with the systems – says that the UK fitting of ESP is among the worst in Europe. Figures from the company reveal that just 24% of all new vehicles are fitted with systems, compared to 64% in Germany.

Euro NCAP says stability control systems dramatically reduce the chances of motorists being involved in an accident by helping drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. If a driver has misjudged a corner or suddenly swerves to avoid an obstacle, stability control can help avoid a skid and can turn an accident into a near-miss. Europe’s leading independent crash test organisation also highlighted that studies have shown that cars fitted with stability control are less involved in certain types of accidents than those without.

In Sweden, an overall reduction of 22% has been detected, rising to 32% in wet conditions, and a study in Japan has suggested a decrease in accident involvement of some 30–35%. American and German studies have shown similar positive results. Professor Claes Tingvall, chairman of Euro NCAP, says: “Euro NCAP’s role is to alert the consumer to cars that offer the greatest protection in an accident. However, the safest car on the road is the one which does not get involved in accidents. “Driving carefully and attentively is perhaps the best way to reduce the chances of being in a crash, but technology can play an important role, too. That is why we are extending our advice to the motorist to cover developments in technology, such as stability control, which will help protect them and their passengers.”

And David Ward, director general of the FIA Foundation, one of the organisations participating in the tests, says: “Electronic stability control is a key safety feature that consumers should look for when choosing a new car. Technology of this kind can be vital in helping to prevent a crash, and complements Euro NCAP’s existing crash testing programme, which focuses on minimising the consequences if a crash does occur. The new generation of safe cars must combine technology for crash prevention as well as five-star crash protection.” That view was supported by Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who says: “Delivering safer cars is not just about performing well in crash tests. Preventing a crash is more important than limiting its impact, and we need to encourage more focus on the investment made in active safety systems. Technologies like stability and traction control systems, assisted braking and parking sensors are fitted as standard to a growing army of new models.”

Meanwhile, as already revealed by RoadSafe (summer 2004), the current Euro NCAP tests look set to be extended into other areas. Guido Adriaenssens, International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) chief executive, says: “Now that the vast majority of cars deliver adequate occupant protection in frontal and side impacts, Euro NCAP faces the challenge to extend its rating to new areas. “Whiplash-related injuries are an important social phenomenon. Car manufacturers tend to acknowledge that and introduce active systems in their cars. ICRT strongly supports initiatives within Euro NCAP to extend the programme to include testing for whiplash protection.”

The new crash test results revealed that the Peugeot 1007 has become the highest-scoring car ever in all classes for adult occupant protection. The Peugeot is also best in the supermini class and was one of seven cars to be awarded the coveted five-star adult occupant rating. The others were: the Renault Clio, which goes on sale in the UK on October 15 and becomes the eighth Renault to achieve the top five-star rating since the Megane in 2003; Mercedes-Benz A-Class; BMW 3-Series; Volkswagen Passat; Lexus GS300; and the Vauxhall Zafira. Results for both the Lexus and the Mercedes gave them best-in-class status for adult occupant protection in the executive and small family car classes respectively.

Meanwhile, seven of the cars tested also achieved the top four-star Euro NCAP rating for child protection. They were the Clio, A-Class, Fiat Stilo, 3-Series, Passat, GS300 and Vauxhall Zafira. And, both Peugeot and Mercedes were praised for fitting intelligent seatbelt reminders for rear seat occupants to the 1007 and A-Class respectively. However, Professor Tingvall continued to keep the pressure on manufacturers in respect of the need to further improve pedestrian protection. The Clio, Smart Forfour, Stilo and 3-Series each only achieved a one-star rating in the tests, with the Suzuki Swift and Honda FR-V the only models to obtain a three-star rating.

He says: “Many manufacturers are now focused on pedestrian protection and are making a good deal of progress in improving protection for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, although some are still lagging behind. I would urge all manufacturers to use the best in class as their benchmark and for everyone to redouble their efforts in this important safety area.”

* The Citroen C1 is also sold as the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo.