EuroNCAP Awards Only 4 Stars to BMW i3, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Note, Mercedes Citan and VW T5 [w/Videos]

EuroNCAP has released a fresh batch of crash-test results for new vehicles, and not everyone will be happy after seeing the outcome. The recently launched BMW i3 EV, Ford EcoSport and Nissan Note only received four stars out of a maximum of five, with the VW T5 van also awarded with four stars. The Mercedes-Benz Citan was reassessed and obtained a four star rating, after only receiving three stars in its first crash test.

While the BMW i3 did well in terms of adult occupant protection (86 percent) and child occupant protection (81 percent), it was penalized for a rather low score on pedestrian protection (57 percent) and for the lack of safety assist systems like a speed assistance system - although BMW offers an optional sign recognition speed limit system, EuroNCAP said it doesn’t reach its minimum fitment rate to be assessed. The score of 55 percent for safety assist (shared with the Ford EcoSport) is the lowest from this latest crash test session.

Speaking of the Ford EcoSport, the small SUV got a good rating for adult occupant protection (93 percent), managed 77 percent for child occupant protection and only 58 percent for pedestrian protection.

The Nissan Note scored 86 percent on adult occupant protection, 82 percent on child occupant protection, but only 58 percent for pedestrian protection. However, it got the highest rating for safety assist (70 percent) of the 4-star rated cars, together with the Mercedes-Benz Citan, thanks to the availability of a speed assistance system.

The Mercedes-Benz Citan returned for a reassessment after only getting 3 stars in May this year. It did better this time, getting a 4-star overall rating with a score of 79 percent for adult occupant protection, 81 percent for child occupant protection, 56 percent for pedestrian protection and 70 percent for safety assist.

Finally, the facelifted VW T5 accepted 4 stars, although it was the worst in terms of pedestrian protection, with a low rating of 32 percent. Adult occupant protection and child occupant protection were reasonable at 79 percent and 74 percent, respectively, while safety assist was rated at 57 percent.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO

Nissan Says New Note Previews North and South American Versa Hatchback

If you had a hunch that the new Nissan Note for global markets including Japan and Europe would form the base for a replacement to the North American market Versa hatchback, you may pat yourself on the back.
The Japanese carmaker just announced that the next generation of the sub-compact Versa hatchback, which will arrive within the next year, "will receive a fresh new look that takes design cues from the new Note".

New Nissan Note Global Compact Car: First Photos and Videos

The all-new second generation Nissan Note made its world premiere today during a special event held at the Osanbashi venue in Yokohama, Japan.
The new Note is the production version of the Invitation Concept that we first laid eyes on at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show this past March and for the most part, it has remained true to the design study.
While the previous Note was more of a small MPV, its successor has been designed to lean more towards the hatchback category.
However, compared to other superminis in the B-Segment like the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta, it features a taller roof promising what Nissan describes as an "airy cabin" that is "beyond expectations for a car in this class".

Mild Updates for 2011MY Nissan Note in Europe

The British built Nissan Note enters the 2011 model year with a few subtle trim and equipment upgrades, plus tweaked 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines that now comply with the latest Euro V emissions regulations.

From the outside, the tall supermini receives some styling enhancements in the form of silver painted door handles and tailgate trim, plus gloss black B and C-pillars for the Acenta and Teckna grades. The 'n-tec' version gets a new front spoiler finisher and front entry guards. The addition of two new metallic colors, Magnetic Red and Grey, round off the exterior changes on the Note.