The Honda CR-Z has been rated one of Europe's safest cars, achieving the maximum 5 star rating in the latest independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP. The rating system of NCAP focuses on the car vehicle's overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy to understand single score. The system considers occupant protection in frontal, side, pole and rear impacts, child protection, pedestrian protection as well as the availability of driver aids.
The CR-Z is the latest in a series of Honda cars to receive top marks. Since the introduction of the new rating scheme, Euro NCAP has tested four other Honda models - the Civic, Accord, Jazz and the Insight. All five models achieved the prestigious 5 star rating, with the Insight being named the 'Safest Hybrid Vehicle' as well as the second safest vehicle of 2009, behind the Volkswagen Golf.
The key safety features of the Honda CR-Z is categorised below: Vehicle Stability Assist Vehicle Stability Assist (VCA) is designed to assist the driver in keeping control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking assistance to any of the wheels as necessary and controlling the engine torque output as required. Braking 14-inch ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes ensure road stability, which is furthered by the ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake assist. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) The ACE body structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances passenger protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE design uses an arrangement of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. It also helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles more evenly. Pedestrian Protection Pedestrian protection is also on the agenda of the CR-Z creators, with many features to keep them as safe as possible if hit. Some of the features on the CR-Z include - windscreen wiper pivots, which are designed to break away on impact; bonnet hinges and an area beneath the bonnet that is unobstructed, allowing greater space for deformation. Airbags and Seatbelts As well as the driver and passenger airbags in front and at the side of the cabin, there is also a full length curtain airbag to protect all occupants. There are three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts in all seating positions, the front seatbelts also have two stage energy absorption load limiting pre-tensioners. On top of all of this, in the rear, ISOFIX points ensure secure and correct installation of any child seats. Active Headrests Honda's newest edition is equipped with active headrests in the front to reduce the likelihood of neck injury in rear impacts. As the driver/passenger is pushed against the seat back, a rigid plate in the seat presses a link to the headrest pushing it up and forward to support the head. With all of these safety precautions that Honda have taken, it is no wonder the new CR-Z has been given the 5 star rating. There are touches of complete genius in there which will most certainly save lives.
About the author Ant Bradshaw is currently working for OneSwoop.com which can provide great information on a range of manufacturers and models, including the New Honda CR-Z.
About the Author
Ant Bradshaw currently works for number of motoring websites in the UK, all of which can over quotes on new cars as well as all the latest news and information from the motoring industry.
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