How safe is YOUR car?

24 February 2009

The Euro NCAP crash testing group has amended its star-rating system, which determines a car�s safety.

We show you what the new ratings are and how safe YOUR car is.

What is Euro NCAP?

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) tests the safety of all new cars and awards them with a star rating.

As well as providing buyers with this information, Euro NCAP acts as an incentive for manufacturers to improve the safety of their cars.

View the first cars to be rated under the new system:

What�s the new rating system?

Cars tested in 2009 are given an overall star rating between zero and five, calculated from a maximum 100 per cent score in each of the following sections:

� Adult protection
� Child protection
� Pedestrian protection
� Safety assist

As of 2009 Euro NCAP tests cars for seatbelt reminders, speed limiters and electronic stability control (ESC). This improves the car�s handling and prevents skidding.

Cars are now also tested for whiplash neck injury protection in rear impacts.

How are cars tested?

New cars undergo a series of tests to determine their safety. These include:

� Front impact
� Side impact
� Pole impact (where the car is propelled sideways into a rigid pole)
� Child protection
� Pedestrian protection
� Whiplash
� ESC
� Seatbelt reminders
� Speed limitation devices

For more information on specific tests read our crash test guide.

What was the previous system?

Cars tested before 2009 were given three separate star ratings � zero to five stars for adult occupant safety, zero to five stars for child occupant safety and zero to four stars for pedestrian safety.

Tests were not carried out for speed limiters, ESC and whiplash, but all other tests remained the same.

How safe is YOUR car?

You can search for a car on Euro NCAP�s �how safe is your car� page.

The car�s star rating is listed along with scores in each respective area. Diagrams show how safe passengers are in the event of a crash and there are specific comments from Euro NCAP for each car.

What are 2009�s safest cars?

The first six cars to be tested in 2009 have just been revealed by Euro NCAP:

Citroen C3 Picasso

� Adult protection: 81 per cent
� Child protection: 76 per cent
� Pedestrian protection: 43 per cent
� Safety assist: 40 per cent

Star rating: 4/5

Mazda 6

� Adult protection: 77 per cent
� Child protection: 81 per cent
� Pedestrian protection: 49 per cent
� Safety assist: 71 per cent

Star rating: 5/5

Mitsubishi Lancer

� Adult protection: 81 per cent
� Child protection: 80 per cent
� Pedestrian protection: 34 per cent
� Safety assist: 71 per cent

Star rating: 5/5

View images of the Lancer Evolution X: