Hybrid Car Review

Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius received five star ratings as part of the safety testing for vehicles in Europe (Euro NCAP - For safer cars | Safety comes clean). Euro NCAP assesses the safety of new cars.

The report notes in particular the high scores for pedestrian safety that "not only fulfil Euro NCAP’s current five star requirements, but already meet the organisation’s challenging 2012 targets."

Euro NCAP’s top scorers with five star results are the Honda Insight, Kia Sorento, Renault Grand Scenic, Skoda Yeti, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Prius 3 and the Volkswagen Polo.

The Toyota Prius received 88%, 82%, 68%, 86% for Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and Safety Assist respectively. The Honda Insight scored 90%, 74%, 76%, and 86%.

From 2009, Euro NCAP’s new overall rating covers Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and a new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new testing regime, vehiclesare awarded a single overall score from one to five stars. The assessment incorporates all previous aspects and includes the recently introduced Rear Impact (Whiplash) tests. In addition, the availability of ESC and speed limitation devices is considered. The overall rating is based on the car’s performance in each of the four main areas and the scores are weighted with respect to each other. Over the next three years, stricter requirements will be introduced increasing the emphasis on all-round safety performance and demanding higher levels of achievement in each area.

Currently under the new rating scheme, carmakers require 25% in pedestrian protection to be awarded an overall five star rating. By 2012 carmakers will have to achieve 60% in pedestrian protection to achieve this.