EuroNCAP Tests New Audi A3, Ford B-MAX, Isuzu D-Max, Kia Cee'd, Renault Clio and Volvo V40

Six brand new models including the 2013 Audi A3 hatchback , Ford B-MAX minivan, Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, Kia Cee’d hatch, Renault Clio supermini and Volvo V40 premium compact have undergone safety tests by Euro NCAP and all but one of the vehicles assessed received the full five-star rating.

The most impressive results came from the new Volvo V40 five-door hatchback that not only achieved five stars but also became Euro NCAP’s all-time top scorer in its segment.

What sets apart the Swedish model from its counterparts like the Audi A3 is Volvo’s world-first Pedestrian Airbag technology, fitted as standard throughout the range. The system lifts the bonnet and deploys an exterior airbag that covers the stiff A-pillars. In Euro NCAP’s tests, this has translated into an 88% score in pedestrian protection, the highest score yet achieved in this part of the assessment.

Moving on to the rest of the cars, despite the absence of B-pillars, the new Ford B-MAX scored 92 percent for adult occupant protection while EuroNCAP also awarded points for the Active City Safety system that helps the driver achieve maximum braking effectiveness in an emergency situation.

The other five star achievers are the latest generations of the Renault Clio, Kia Cee’d and Audi A3, all of which offered significantly improved pedestrian protection amongst other notable improvements, according to Euro NCAP.

The new Isuzu D-Max pickup truck may have been awarded with four stars, but that’s a significant improvement over the model tested in 2008 that had failed to impress with a two star rating for adult occupant protection and just one star for pedestrian protection.

“The latest results show that Isuzu has learnt from the experience and made safety a priority for its newest model,” said Euro NCAP in a statement. “Their efforts have resulted in a score of 83% for adult occupant protection and improved protection for child occupants against a tougher 2012 regime.”

Euro NCAP noted that it was overall happy about the results in pedestrian protection.

“In Europe, 14 percent of all road traffic fatalities are pedestrians. While in the last three years Euro NCAP has increased the requirements, the vehicle manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge. The scores observed today were unthinkable just a few years ago with the new V40 setting a new standard.”