The Ford Mustang improves poor safety rating after updates
Following a disappointing crash test result, Ford has upgraded its sports car’s safety features
Ford has responded to criticisms of the Mustang’s crash test performance by fitting more safety kit and addressing airbag issues.
The American car manufacturer’s sports car had originally flunked the rigorous Euro NCAP crash test, scoring just two stars out of five. Examiners knocked off points because the driver’s airbag failed to stop the dummy’s head hitting the wheel, while rear passenger safety was rated ‘poor’.
Meanwhile, the lack of driving assistance technology such as autonomous emergency braking and lane assist also counted against it.
At the time, Ford responded by saying: “The Mustang is a safe car meeting, or exceeding, all applicable safety standards globally”, adding that it achieved five stars in US testing.
It has tackled the complaints by making the above assistance technologies standard, alongside pedestrian detection and forward collision warning. It has also addressed the airbag problems.
The result is an extra star, taking the Euro NCAP rating to three out of five. However, Matthew Avery, director of research at car safety experts Thatcham Research, said: “Our advice to buyers is to always opt for a Euro NCAP five star car, so a three star Euro NCAP rating is never a cause for celebration.
“However, Ford’s rapid addition of a suite of standard-fit safety tech and its prompt updates to improve the performance of the airbags and restraints is to be applauded and underlines the power of the Euro NCAP consumer testing programme as a force for positive action. We will continue to apply pressure on carmakers to ensure UK drivers have the safest possible cars.”
In other tests last month, the Seat Ibiza, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Volkswagen Arteon and Hyundai i30 all achieved five stars. However, the new Honda Civic only managed a four-star rating because one of the child dummies had a heavy impact to the head from a curtain airbag.
