A five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing represents a glowing endorsement of the effectiveness of a vehicle’s integrated safety concept, which – in the new BMW 3 Series, as in other models – encompasses both the body structure and the restraint systems. Supporting structures with a weight-optimised design and a high load-bearing capacity combine with precisely engineered deformation paths in the new 3 Series to provide the ideal basis for preserving the passenger cell’s rigidity in various types of collision – i.e. for keeping the occupants’ survival space intact. In Euro NCAP testing, the aluminium/high-strength steel safety passenger cell of the new BMW 3 Series proved to be extremely robust – both in the frontal and side collisions and the side pole impact. In a frontal collision, the forces acting on the vehicle are diverted via multiple load paths in the floor assembly, side frame, bulkhead and roof, and absorbed by large deformation zones. Reinforced side structures in the B-pillars and side sill areas, high-strength side impact members in the doors and sturdy seat cross-members protect the occupants in the event of a side-on collision. The seats and head restraints have been specially designed to minimise the risk of whiplash injuries resulting from a collision against the rear of the vehicle. Strengthened pillars and roof members ensure that the passenger cell retains its rigidity if the car rolls over.

Central safety electronics control the functioning of the various restraint systems fitted in the new BMW 3 Series. This means the three-point inertia-reel seatbelts on all seats deploy as part of a precisely coordinated response with the front, side and head airbags – according to the type of impact and its severity. The testers’ evaluation of the crash test results revealed that the new BMW 3 Series offers exceptionally high levels of protection for adult occupants, with an almost perfect score of 97 per cent. They are therefore protected from injury to an outstanding degree, regardless of their height or the seat’s position.

The levels of safety for children also impressed the test team. ISOFIX child seat attachments for the outer seats in the rear of the new BMW 3 Series make this an extremely safe place for children to travel. With the relevant seat systems fitted for six- and ten-year-old passengers respectively, the readings showed the test dummies were exposed to extremely modest loads in both the frontal and side crashes. The new 3 Series scored 23.8 out of a maximum 24 points for this criterion.

Evaluating the protective measures for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists), also forms part of Euro NCAP crash testing. The new BMW 3 Series reduces the risk of injury to these groups with carefully contoured body elements and flexible structures around its front end. It also has an active bonnet, whose pyrotechnic release mechanism is triggered as soon as the sensor data indicates a relevant type of collision. This raises the bonnet, creating a deformation zone that prevents direct impact with unyielding components in the engine compartment.

The extensive active safety features fitted as standard on the new BMW 3 Series are another factor in its five-star rating. The collision and pedestrian warning with braking function managed to safely avert a collision in all test scenarios, earning it maximum points in the assessment. This technology forms part of the standard Active Guard system that also comprises Lane Departure Warning with lane return and the Speed Limit Display road sign detection system with no-overtaking indicator. Standard specification for the 3 Series also includes DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), a tyre pressure indicator showing the pressures for each wheel, the Attentiveness Assistant and intelligent emergency call with BMW Accident Assistance.

SUVs and crossovers continue to soar in Europe, attracting new entrants from around the world. The C-segment SUV Korando is the first five-star car from Korea’s up-and-coming SsangYong. Well-equipped, and with AEB as standard, the Korando’s rating brings it into line with its competitors.

The Volkswagen Group launched the Škoda Kamiq, sister of the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross. The Škoda Kamiq is a high-riding Scala and shares a five-star rating and similar results to the car tested earlier this year.

Mercedes-Benz enters the all-electric market with the fully-electric compact luxury SUV EQC. This is the first of Daimler’s EQ range, and its rating augers well, with a five-star rating and good all-round performance. The EQC is part of a growing trend towards battery electric vehicles and joins Jaguar’s I-Pace and Audi’s e-tron amongst the cars that Euro NCAP has tested, and Tesla’s Model X, which will be assessed later this year.

Good results were achieved by other newcomers as well. The latest Mercedes-Benz CLA achieved an outstanding outcome, scoring more than 90 percent in three of the four area of safety assessed by Euro NCAP. BMW’s two-seater roadster, the new Z4, scored well all-round but its protection of vulnerable road users was especially impressive, thanks to an active bonnet that lifts when a pedestrian has been hit. Audi’s alternative to the Mini, the A1, also performed well in safety tests. A five-star car in 2010, the second-generation small hatchback repeats its top rating against Euro NCAP’s newest test requirements, thanks in part to ‘Audi Pre Sense Front’, its standard-fit AEB system.

Finally, the Ford Focus achieved five stars in 2018 but its marginal front-seat whiplash protection meant it could not capitalise on good results for its AEB system. Ford has improved the design of the seats and head restraints and the car now demonstrates good whiplash protection in rear-end collisions and is rewarded for its excellent AEB city performance. The outcome is an improved overall score that reaffirms that the Focus is an all-round family car with great safety credentials.