Five-star cars’ whiplash shock

Euro NCAP is whipping motor manufacturers into shape!

The independent crash testing body has introduced a rear impact assessment, to measure the level of whiplash protection a car provides.

And the first batch of results has shown a number of models with five-star ratings are falling short of the mark. The Peugeot 308 CC, Ford Kuga and Citroen C5 were all awarded top scores for adult occupation protection – but were among the bottom five in the new whiplash test.

The C5, plus Suzuki’s Splash and Daihatsu’s Terios, picked up zero marks in the study – while Volvo’s XC60 came top.

In fact, only one-fifth of the 25 vehicles tested gained the highest rating by actively reducing the chance of injury. Turn to Page 54 to see all the figures and explanations in full.

The results come as the UK was branded the ‘whiplash capital of the world’ in a separate study. The Association of British Insurers found more than three-quarters of personal injury claims from crashes are for neck complaints, costing cover providers nearly £2billion a year in compensation.

Euro NCAP has also released its latest ratings for new cars. Whiplash scores are not included yet, but from February rear impact performance will be integrated into the overall Adult Occupant Protection rating.

Model / Adult occupant protection / Child occupant protection / Pedestrian protection

Ford Fiesta - 5 / 4 / 3
Honda Accord - 5 / 4 / 3
VW Golf MkVI - 5 / 4 / 3
Renault Mégane - 5 / 4 /2
Vauxhall Insignia - 5 / 4 / 2
Volvo XC60 - 5 / 4 / 2
Alfa Romeo MiTo - 5 / 3 / 2
Peugeot 308 CC - 5 / 3 / 2
Ford Ka - 4 / 3 / 2
Mercedes Viano - 4 / 3 / 1
Dacia Sandero - 3/ 4 / 1
Ford Ranger - 2 / 3 / 2