If you own a Jeep Compass you are probably better off looking at one of the other sections on CompleteCar.ie for the moment. Results for the compact SUV's Euro NCAP crash test have just come in and they make for grim reading.
The recently refreshed Compass achieved only two stars, underachieving in most areas of Euro NCAP's assessment. Even with an optional side thorax airbag fitted it showed poor levels of protection, particularity in the side pole test. This, designed to replicate a side-on collision with an immovable object such as a tree or pole, showed the Compass did not offer adequate levels of protection for occupants.
Worse still the Compass fared poorly in the pedestrian protection test where it scored a disappointing 23 per cent. In Jeep's defence the crash tests have become even more stringent for 2012 with the criteria required for a five-star rating upped.
However, this just makes the ninth generation Honda Civic, the other new car recently tested by the safety organisation, look even better as it did achieve a five-star rating. The family hatchback scored well across tests for adult, child and pedestrian protection and was also in the Safety Assist category, where its Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) was commended.
"The results published show clearly that a 5 star today means a lot more than a 5 star some years ago," said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General. "Many car makers have moved on and so have we. Cars based on older technology, brushed up and marketed as new are not providing the same levels as safety as the newest models developed against the new targets."