Good news for the motorists. Cars nowadays offer the highest ever levels of occupant protection against crash.
The assurance came in the latest car crash test results from the Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Programme) in which the Consumer Council also took part.
One supermini model has become the highest scoring car ever in all classes for adult occupant protection.
In addition, one executive car and one small family car were also awarded the "Best in Class" for occupant protection.
Overall, the latest car crash test showed a remarkable majority of the cars tested achieved top rating for occupant protection. Out of the 21 models, 11 were awarded the coveted five-star rating.
Included in the test were 21 models comprising 10 superminis, 1 small family car, 4 large family cars, 2 executive cars and 4 MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).
The results are indicative that for whatever type of car one might wish to buy, in whatever price range, it is easily possible to choose from car models offering high levels of protection.
But consumers are reminded to always bear in mind that almost all of the protective measures currently built into cars would have little effect in the absence of seat belt use. Seat belts continued to be the most effective measure to protect vehicle occupants.
In the test samples, all cars were provided with intelligent seat belt reminder (a visual or loud and clear audible warning of seatbelt non-use) for driver. 12 models were also extended to front passengers and 4 models extended to rear passengers.
Further, models equipped with side airbags would enhance the occupant safety against a side crash. However, some of safety equipments of cars for the Hong Kong market might be different from those of the test models, i.e. Hong Kong models might not come with the side airbags as standard equipment.
Car buyers are recommended to choose a model equipped with side airbags (for the protection of thorax and head). If the model is not equipped with side airbags, consumers should ask the agent if this feature can be added as an extra safety measure.
Equally important in the latest car crash tests concerned the results on pedestrian protection.
For the first time, an executive car has been awarded the maximum four stars for pedestrian protection.
The car features a bonnet top which "pops up" when the car hits a pedestrian. In this way, greater clearance is provided above any hazards under the bonnet, allowing the bonnet to deflect so reducing the risk of injury to the head.
It is, however, disappointing that most cars tested were still rated poorly with only one or two stars for pedestrian protection.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE Magazine and Online CHOICE ( https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/ ).