Since the revamp of Euro NCAP's rating in 2009, the safety organisation has upped the ante in safety by raising its criteria for 5 stars annually. In 2012, any car awarded 5 stars should achieve an overall score of at least 80 percent, while scoring at least 80 percent of the available points in Adult Protection, 75 percent in Child Protection, 60 percent in Pedestrian Protection and 60 percent in Safety Assist. This translates into significantly safer vehicles for consumers today, in particular on pedestrian protection offered where the average 5 star car barely exceeded the 25 percent limit just a few years back.
The recently refreshed Jeep Compass achieved only two stars against the 2012 criteria, underachieving in most areas of Euro NCAP's assessment. The compact SUV was tested with an optional side thorax airbag but its test results showed a poor protection levels, particularly in the side pole test. In pedestrian protection, the Compass scored a disappointing 23 percent. Compact SUVs are the most popular sport-utility segment in Europe, but the 2011 Jeep Compass did not demonstrate itself as strong contender on safety in comparison to other tested competitors in the same category.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: ‘The results published today show clearly that a 5 star today means a lot more than a 5 star some years ago. Many car makers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets. Consumers interested in a fair comparison will not be fooled by these results.'
The results and details of the tested cars are published on the website. Next publication is on 25th May 2012. For more media information, please contact Marie Brasseur, Euro NCAP Communications Manager.
