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Euro Ncap have re-tested some of Europe's top selling vans and MPV's using new tests that they claim are more realistic.
Following the results Euro Cap are challenging the manufactures to increase safety levels and even for the controlling bodies to re-view legislation.
The more realistic tests produced some startling results for example.
The Fiat Scudo was reduced to a 3 star and Renault Traffic just 2 starts. In fact the Ford Transit was the only van to retain the full 5 stars.
A spokes person for Euro Encap is reported to have said "This time around Euro NCAP has focused on van variants that offer 8 to 9 seats. These vehicles are often used for business or considered by families as alternatives to large MPVs. Being derived from commercial van platforms, these people-carriers are updated less regularly and are generally less equipped for safety than normal passenger cars. If you have a family with a lot of kids and are tempted to buy such a vehicle, please be aware that they often do not offer the latest state of the art in vehicle safety.”
So what happens now?
The good news is that some manufacturers are taking the initiative and have made a commitment to improve safety levels.
Italian brand Fiat and Peugeot/ Citroen have also taken the findings onboard and is making many safety features now standard. responded to Euro NCAP’s assessment.
The new Euro Ncap tests used to test the MPV's and vans are variations of the same measures used for testing standard passenger cars and these have been introduced to promote even greater safety levels and protection for passengers and road users.