The Alfa Romeo 159 received impressive results for adult occupant protection

“In the small car sector, which accounts for a third of all new car sales in the UK, the technology is largely missing”

Only one third of new cars on sale in the UK are equipped with electronic stability control – despite the European New Car Safety Programme (Euro NCAP) identifying the technology as the essential accident prevention feature. Twelve months after Euro NCAP called on motorists to ensure their next vehicle is fitted with electronic stability control (RoadSafe: summer 2005), new figures from Bosch, which manufacturers the technology, show that Britain remains in the slow lane in fitting the potentially life-saving equipment commonly known as ESP.

The technology is often standard equipment in the more expensive luxury car sector and, says Bosch, “good progress” is being made with medium-class vehicles. However, in the small car sector – which accounts for more than a third of all new car sales in the UK and is arguably the most crucial from a safety standpoint – the technology is largely missing.

Although the fitment of ESP to cars sold in the UK has risen to 34% from 20% two years ago, it remains behind the European average of 39%. Meanwhile, in Germany, two out of every three new cars sold are fitted with the system. Bosch has set a fitment rate target of 50% across the European Union by 2010. As well as Euro NCAP calling for more vehicle manufacturers to fit ESP as standard to their cars and urging car buyers to seek out ESP-equipped vehicles in making their purchasing decisions, Cars 21, a new plan for the European Union car industry promising safer and cleaner cars, calls for the compulsory fitment of new safety systems on vehicles, including ESP.

It detects the onset of skidding in a vehicle and works to counter it without any action by the driver. Published studies prove that car drivers whose vehicles are fitted cause accidents much more rarely. If every new car were to be fitted with ESP, the number of single vehicle accidents resulting in serious injury could be reduced by up to 50%, it is calculated.

Herbert Hemming, executive vice president sales of the chassis systems control division of Bosch says: “The EU has set itself the target of halving the number of road deaths between 2001 and 2010. ESP can make a significant contribution to achieving this ambitious goal.” Not surprisingly, following this year’s Euro NCAP crash test results, small cars have been under the spotlight with manufacturers both praised and criticised for safety features incorporated in models.

The new Peugeot 207, which went on sale this summer, joined the growing list of superminis to be awarded a top five-star Euro NCAP rating in adult occupant protection, proving that even the smallest of cars can be safe on European roads. The vehicle also notched three stars for pedestrian protection and four stars for child protection rating – scores not achieved previously by a supermini and the French manufacturer’s first model to achieve a three-star pedestrian rating.

The 207’s performance followed that of the Peugeot 1007, which last year became the first car to exceed 36 points. A Peugeot spokesman says: “Sharing the same platform as the Peugeot 1007 clearly has given the new Peugeot 207 inner strength, but adding big car protection technology from the Peugeot 407 has made it pedestrian friendly as well.

Peugeot 207

“If every new car were to be fitted with ESP, the number of single vehicle accidents resulting in serious injury could be reduced by up to 50%”

“The 207 borrows from the 407 the use of two impact-absorption structures which distribute impact energy more efficiently in the event of a collision and also enhance repairability and pedestrian impact protection. This technology is not normally found on a supermini.” By contrast, the Chevrolet Aveo was singled out by Euro NCAP for the unacceptably high risk of lifethreatening injury to the driver’s chest, which was highlighted by the frontal test. As a result, the car’s final star was struck through. Although the Aveo scored enough points overall to qualify for three stars, Euro NCAP insists on a minimum level of performance in each of the frontal and side impacts.

While the Aveo’s performance in side impact was good, it did not score enough points in the frontal test to be given a three-star rating. The Aveo is a facelifted version of the Chevrolet/Daewoo Kalos. The Chevrolet was not the only car to come under Euro NCAP’s scrutiny as the Kia Cerato obtained poor results in side impact tests with a high risk of injury to the driver’s chest. As a result it scored only three stars for occupant protection. By contrast, the Alfa Romeo 159 received “impressive” results for its adult occupant protection with a fivestar Euro NCAP rating. It was the first Alfa Romeo to have received five stars in Euro NCAP’s adult occupant protection test.

But, more worrying, said Euro NCAP, was the 159’s pedestrian protection results – only a one-star rating. Sister company Fiat was also criticised with its new Idea mini-MPV also gaining only a single star for pedestrian protection. Crash test results for the Idea were announced alongside those of the Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 – a totally different vehicle although both achieved four stars for occupant protection. However, Euro NCAP explains crucial differences in their respective four-star ratings saying: “The Idea just achieved a four-star score, while the Pathfinder nearly achieved Euro NCAP’s maximum of five stars.

Nissan Pathfinder

“While some manufacturers are forging ahead in their safety development, others still have a long way to go”

“The Fiat Idea has a head protecting curtain airbag, but is unusual in not being equipped as standard with an airbag to protect the body in a side impact accident. If the Idea had Isofi x mounts for tethering child seats also fitted as standard, it would have achieved a higher rating for child protection.” Claes Tingvall, Euro NCAP chairman, says: “Wherever possible, consumers should insist that their car is fitted with the most complete safety options available, even when manufacturers are not supplying these options as standard. Consumers should continue to remain vigilant in prioritising safety to encourage manufacturers to provide the optimum level of equipment available.” He adds: “Whilst some manufacturers are forging ahead in their safety development, others still have a long way to go.”

Meanwhile, referring to some vehicles, such as the 159, receiving top marks for occupant protection, but being criticised for poor pedestrian, protection, Professor Tingvall says: “There is a clear difference emerging between those car manufacturers who are trying to improve the protection their cars offer to pedestrians and those who still see that as a low priority. When cars can achieve creditable results without any advanced technology, there is no excuse for the very low levels of performance we have seen in this phase. There is no reason why cars cannot now provide a high level of protection to all road users.”

Euro NCAP results
(Only vehicles tested since 2002 are listed below. For previous test results, visit: www.euroncap.com)