CR-Z tops in safety I am always impressed when a manufacturer weighs in with a new model with real hybrid credentials. That highlight during 2010 was most definitely the Honda CR-Z. It achieved sporty, attractive lines without trying to look too hard like an ‘ecobox’ or spaceship, with sales figures reflecting this. What’s even more impressive is when focus shifts away from the obvious issue of economy and onto other ‘regular’ cars’ competitive features, such as features, cost and safety – all criteria on which the CR-Z has competed admirably. Yet it has ultimately come out triumphant in the safety stakes.
The authoritative Euro NCAP safety testing body has placed the CR-Z tops in the Supermini category and also one of the five safest cars in overall terms tested. Euro NCAP tested 29 new models in 2010, of which only 65% managed to achieve the coveted five-star safety rating. In 2009, 90% of vehicles tested achieved five-star status, showing how top score requirements have been made yet more stringent for 2010 and thus more coveted to achieve. Added requirements include the fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as part of the rating procedure. The revised procedure places greater emphasis on overall safety by calculating an overall safety score based on individual ratings in four categories: adult occupant safety, child occupant safety, pedestrian safety, and safety assistance/reminder systems. The scores in the four categories are weighted, allowing for a total score that is