New Astra receives 5 stars for safety from Euro
NCAP
26th November 2009
Europe’s safety
assessment body, Euro NCAP, has awarded Vauxhall’s new British-built Astra
five stars for safety – the top rating available.
Euro NCAP gave its
highest points ever for the Astra’s active head restraints, which protect
against whiplash – the most common occupant injury suffered when a car is
struck from behind. Vauxhall’s active head restraint system is also
completely reversible, requiring no dealer reset after a rear-end collision.
 The
new regulation issued by Euro NCAP mean that vehicles now have one overall
star rating with a maximum five stars. The number of stars reflects the
car’s performance in four key areas: adult protection, child safety,
pedestrian protection and safety assist. The score is calculated by weighing
points in these four areas, while ensuring that no one section is neglected.
Passenger occupant protection in a frontal impact attracted a very high
score for the Astra, but points were also added for its advanced Electronic
Stability Control+ system, which improves vehicle stability by detecting and
minimising skids.
The Astra’s rigid passenger compartment contributed
to the exceptional rating, too. The structure is made from high-strength
steel that Vauxhall’s engineers designed for the least deformation and
highest survival space in case of a crash. The front and rear of the cabin
are also surrounded by crumple zones that deform and protect in a safe,
controlled manner.
 Among
the many safety features in the Astra are new, advanced dual seat belt
pre-tensioners which help prevent injury by keeping occupants’ hips in place
during a crash, eliminating the need for expensive, heavy knee airbags and
liberating more occupant storage space.
Other safety equipment
comprises six airbags, a smart seat belt reminder system and a passenger
airbag deactivation switch to allow child seats to be placed on the front
passenger seat. ABS with numerous assistance functions, traction
control, adaptive brake lights and Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) are also
included in the Astra’s safety armoury.
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