HONDA SAYS: Euro NCAP has developed a new rating scheme which focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easier to understand single score. The new system considers occupant protection in frontal, side, pole and rear impacts, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. The Honda Civic 5 Door and Type R have been awarded the maximum 5-star rating with an excellent overall score of 77%.
The new rating scheme, introduced in February 2009 replaces the old system. It uses a weighted score, combining many aspects of a car’s safety performance: adult (50%), child (20%) and pedestrian (20%) protection assessment and the availability of safety assistance devices (10%). A minimum score of 70% overall is necessary to achieve a 5-star rating. To qualify for inclusion, electronic vehicle stability assistance devices (VSA for Honda) must be fitted, as standard across 85% of the EU 27 2009 model range.
EuroNCAP's new assessment reflects Honda’s commitment to overall vehicle safety, and follows on from the 5 star result achieved by the new Honda Accord. Honda has always been committed to making vehicles safe for passengers and pedestrians.
The new rating system compliments Honda’s long standing in-house safety testing which seeks to improve real world safety. Honda’s car-to-car crash test facility at Tochigi analyses impacts between models of different sizes and weights and develop solutions to mitigate injuries for both parties.
