The Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupé, launched in South Africa last year, has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the latest round of stringent safety tests conducted by the authoritative Euro NCAP safety testing authority.
The CR-Z not only came out tops in the Supermini category, but was also one of the five safest cars in overall terms tested.
The CR-Z not only came out tops in the Supermini category, but was also one of the five safest cars in overall terms tested.
Euro NCAP tested 29 new models in 2010, of which only 65 percent managed to achieve the coveted five-star safety rating. In 2009, 90 percent of vehicles tested achieved five-star status.
According to the organisation, the 25 percent reduction in the number of five-star achievers is due to new, more stringent standards being introduced. These include the required fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The ESC is also tested as part of the rating procedure.
The revised procedure places greater emphasis on overall safety by calculating an overall safety score based on individual ratings in four categories: adult occupant safety, child occupant safety, pedestrian safety, and safety assistance/reminder systems.
The scores in the four categories are weighted, allowing for a total score that is more representative of the overall safety standards provided by a vehicle. The CR-Z recorded 93 percent for adult occupant safety, 80 percent for child safety, 71 percent for pedestrian safety and 86 percent for its assistance systems.
“The CR-Z’s class-leading five-star rating vindicates Honda’s commitment to overall vehicle safety,” says Yoshiaki Nakamura, president of Honda South Africa.
“Honda's commitment to safety is expressed by its 'Safety for Everyone' philosophy. This acknowledges that vehicle safety should not only focus on driver safety, but should also consider the safety of passengers, pedestrians and the occupants of other vehicles.”
For that reason, Nakamura added, Honda will continue to equip its cars and motorcycles with the most advanced, effective safety features available. “Our goal is nothing less than the safety of every road user in our mobile society.”
Since 2009, five Honda models – the Civic, Accord, Jazz, Insight and the CR-Z – have been awarded five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.
STORY BY HONDA
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