This study compared 60 models of private car. The rating scheme used assesses how well each car would protect occupants in different types of crash. Experienced accident investigators examined over fifty areas of each car that are critical to its safety, more importance being given to those areas that are likely to have the biggest impact on the occupants' survival. The inspectors then made judgements on the likely overall safety performance of each vehicle. In this study, the inspectors were favourably impressed with the compact people carriers (mini-MPVs) studied, with the comment that the smallest and lightest car received the lowest score; generally, the heavier the car, the safer it will be. Superminis received lower scores, with the heaviest again leading the category, but the average score was better for small family cars. The safest were large family cars and executive cars. The article considers various safety features, including head restraints, side curtains and smart airbags, and gives a brief description of a Europe-wide initiative, the New Car Assessment Programme, and its rating system.
Abstract