Toyota crash test shock

01st December 2009

After five years at the top of Euro NCAP ratings, Toyota has come crashing down to earth. In the latest round of tests by the independent body, the Urban Cruiser was awarded three stars – the maker’s worst score in over a decade.

The compact crossover performed well for child and pedestrian protection, but scored only 58 per cent for adult occupant protection due to issues with its curtain airbags. A Toyota spokesman said an investigation into the result has been launched, and that a mid-life redesign of the car’s safety systems is possible if a fault is found. He added: “Obviously, it’s disappointing to get a three-star rating, as we have consistently scored top marks since 2004.

“Our own testing always goes along the lines of Euro NCAP, and we were aiming for five stars – but we are fully convinced that the Urban Cruiser is a safe car.” Euro NCAP boss Dr Michiel van Ratingen has said manufacturers should expect fewer five-star results in the future as the tests are made tougher. “Consumers should not make presumptions about a car’s safety performance on the basis of the brand that builds it,” he added.

Meanwhile, after scoring only one star for the Aveo in 2006, Chevrolet has risen to the top of the pile with a five-star rating for the Cruze hatchback under Euro NCAP’s new tougher points scheme. The five-door achieved a near-perfect 96 per cent for adult occupant protection. Chevy’s Spark supermini got four stars, as an electronic stability programme (ESP) isn’t a standard feature across the range.

All the other cars assessed in Euro NCAP’s latest tests earned the maximum five stars. They were the new Vauxhall Astra, BMW X1, Mazda 3, Citroen DS3, Infiniti FX, Mercedes GLK and E-Class, Peugeot 5008 and VW Scirocco.