Latest crash test results revealed

The Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car has been awarded the full five-star safety rating by Europe’s recognised car safety body.

The Honda was awarded 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for child occupant protection, 71 per cent for pedestrian protection and 86 per cent for safety assist (which assesses electronic safety technology).

Whiplash protection in rear end shunts was praised and occupants of different sizes and in different seating positions were shown to have an equal level of protection.

EuroNCAP has also released results for the 2010 Suzuki Swift, Hyundai ix35 and Citroen C4 after its latest round of tests, with all three models achieving five-star ratings.

August 2010 EuroNCAP crash test gallery:

Citroen C4

The Citroen C4 family hatchback was awarded 90 per cent for adult protection, 85 per cent for child occupant protection, 43 per cent for pedestrian protection and 97 per cent for safety assist. The dashboard was commended because its shape reduced the risk of injury for front seat occupants in a crash. However, whiplash protection was only rated as marginal.

Hyundai ix35

Hyundai’s ix35 SUV crossover obtained 90 per cent for adult occupant protection, an excellent 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 54 per cent for pedestrian protection and 71 per cent for safety assist.

Suzuki Swift

The 2010 Suzuki Swift supermini received the highest score for adult protection of 94 per cent, despite its small size. It also received 82 per cent for child occupant protection, 62 per cent for pedestrian protection and 71 per cent for safety assist.

It was noted the Swift offered good knee and femur protection in particular.

By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist