Euro NCAP started 2012 with the release of the results on the new Honda Civic. It was awarded the maximum five star rating, to become one of Europe’s safest cars.
In addition, Euro NCAP have announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS ) technology to include the new Civic.
The 9th generation family hatchback achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment. This result unmistakably highlights the step forwards made in the market place by some car manufacturers.
The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS ), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology rewarded by Euro NCAP Advanced in 2010.
Eight cars assessed last year also meet the more stringent requirements for five stars in 2012. Euro NCAP has re-issued the five star rating for 2012 for the following vehicles: BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, Ford Focus, Ford Ranger, Mercedes M Class, Nissan LEAF, Subaru XV, and Volvo V60.
Honda was recognised for its Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS ), a radar-based autonomous emergency braking system. CMBS is designed to help prevent collisions with vehicles which are stationary or travelling in the same direction. The system is aimed at alerting the driver to an imminent collision both at low speeds, typical of urban driving, and at higher speeds typical of rural roads and motorways. By studying accident statistics in Germany and extending the figures to the broader European community, Honda estimates that, if all cars were fitted with CMBS, between 200,000 and 250,000 accidents could be either prevented or mitigated every year.
The new Civic’s top safety rating and Advanced NCAP reward reflect Honda’s commitment to overall vehicle safety. Honda’s car-to-car crash test facility at the Tochigi R&D centre analyses impacts between models of different sizes and weights and develops solutions to mitigate injuries for both passengers and pedestrians. The omni-directional vehicle-to-vehicle crash test facility opened in 2001 and is the world's first indoor facility of its type.
Honda’s new CR-V breaks cover
Honda has revealed images of the European CR-V Prototype ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6.
This preview model highlights the exterior styling direction of the all-new fourth generation European Honda CR-V, which is set to go on sale in autumn 2012.
Compared to the previous generation, this prototype adopts a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.
