Results released after the latest programme of Euro NCAP safety tests have seen disappointment for the new Vauxhall Viva.
The Viva – marketed as the Opel Karl on the continental market – was awarded four stars by the consumer body which performs crash tests on all new cars released on the European market. Preventing it from achieving a full five star mark were disappointing results in the frontal offset test, where the head bottomed out the airbag, and the side pole impact test which highlighted poor chest protection. Chest protection offered to the rear small female passenger dummy during a full-width rigid barrier test was also disappointing, and the driver slipped under the seatbelt increasing the risk of knee and femur injuries.
Also missing out on top marks was the new Mazda MX-5. Euro NCAP reported good all-round performance in crash tests, describing pedestrian protection as ‘exceptional’, but the overall mark suffered due to the absence of many of the latest crash avoidance systems now a common feature on many new cars.
The tests saw the champagne corks popping over at Hyundai however, as their all new Tucson was awarded a five star rating. The compact SUV performed well in all areas of testing, with Euro NCAP commenting on the impressive evolution in safety technology over previous offerings from the manufacturer.
Read our Hyundai Tucson review to find out more or check out our guide to the best family SUVs for alternatives.
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