Latest EuroNCAP Crash Test Results Show Safety Improvements Across the Board

NCAP Results Prove a Car Doesn't Need to be Large to be Safe

In today's world, the idea of passive safety is often played down to electronics and active safety devices. But when

The European New Car Assessment Program, one of the world's most stringent crash testing programs, just finished with its latest batch of vehicles. (Photo: EuroNCAP)

it comes down to the crunch (pun intended) all that matters is how well a car absorbs an impact and protects its occupants.

The EuroNCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) is one of the world's most stringent crash testing programs, taking into account high-speed offset crashes (no crashing straight on into a brick wall), high-speed side impact tests with and without poles, as well as pedestrian safety ratings (if you were to accidentally hit someone) and child safety.

The latest batch of cars to pass through these tests includes twelve vehicles from of all segments of the market, super-minis

The Saab 9-3 Cabriolet received a respectable 81 percent for the frontal collision test, while achieving 100 percent in side collision tests. (Photo: EuroNCAP)

to sports convertibles, minivans and sedans, with the final tally figuring some pretty impressive results.

Up until this point, only a handful of cars received the prestigious five-star front and side impact award. This time around, the results are different. The majority of cars, including two convertibles, have managed make the five-star grade. The Saab 9-3 Cabriolet received a respectable 81 percent for frontal collision, while achieving 100 percent in side collision tests. The Renault Mégane CC, not available in North America, received 100 percent in frontal collision tests and 94 percent in side collisions.