The latest crash test results from Euro NCAP are in and the big news is that the BMW i3 has failed to achieve a full five-star rating. The carbon fibre built electric vehicle scored well for both adult and child protection, scoring 86- and 81 per cent respectively. In the side barrier test, designed to replicate a 'T-bone' accident, the i3 achieved full marks with its passenger cell providing good protection for occupants, but in the more severe side pole, dummy readings of rib compression indicated that protection of the chest was weak. The front seats and head restraints provided marginal protection against whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision too.
The main failing for the i3 came in pedestrian protection however. While the front bumper fared well and scored maximum points the front edge of the bonnet was found to offer minimal pedestrian protection and scored no points. The i3 was also marked down in the safety assist category. While ESC is fitted as standard safety systems such as sign recognition and a speed limiter are optional extras leading to a 55 per cent score.
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Other cars joining the i3 in the four-star club are the Nissan Note, Ford EcoSport, Volkswagen T5 Transport Kombi and the Mercedes-Benz Citan Kombi, which was in for a reassessment having scored three star earlier this year.
Doing much better in the crash tests and being awarded five stars were the Mazda3, Maserati Ghibli, Peugeot 308, Infiniti Q50, Ford Tourneo Connect and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid.