The New Car Assessment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, Latin NCAP, fifth publication for 2022 shows encouraging five star results for the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen New Virtus and three stars for the Volkswagen New Polo.
The Toyota Corolla, produced in Brazil, achieved five stars. The Corolla, that offers 7 airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard since 2017, achieved 83.31% in Adult Occupant, 91.84% in Child Occupant, 59,72 % in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users, and 81.57% in Safety Assist. The model was tested for the fifth time as voluntary decision of the manufacturer and the result is valid for all production plants for Latin America.
The current Corolla was assessed in 2019 by Latin NCAP achieving five stars for adult and child occupant protection under the previous protocol. At that time driving assistance technologies, as well as pedestrian protection were assessed, targeting the evaluation of the Corolla under updated and more demanding protocols. The car was tested in frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) city and interurban, Lane Support Systems (LDW, LKA and RED) and ESC.
The New Volkswagen Polo produced in Brazil, achieved three stars. The Polo with 4 airbags (2 frontal and 2 side head/body) and ESC as standard, achieved 73,21% in Adult Occupant, 71,33% in Child Occupant, 51,41% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users and 58,14% in Safety Assist. The car was tested in frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, and ESC. The lack of availability of ADAS technologies and curtain airbags primarily limited the model from obtaining a better rating. The model was tested as voluntary decision of the manufacturer.
The Volkswagen New Virtus, produced in India, achieved five stars. The New Virtus with 6 airbags and ESC as standard achieved 92,35% in Adult Occupant, 91,84% in Child Occupant, 53,09% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users and 84,98% in Safety Assist. The car was tested in frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) city and interurban and ESC. The model was tested as a voluntary decision of the manufacturer.
Latin NCAP tests the most basic passive safety specification of the models and strongly recommends consumers to buy versions equipped with tested and well performing ADAS technologies.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP said:
“Toyota and Volkswagen show once again their commitment towards safer vehicles in the region. Although the three star performance of the New Polo means it is a car with a reasonable safety level, Latin NCAP believes that such a popular model should aim for five stars, especially by replacing the side head-thorax airbags for curtain airbags and side body airbags and adding ADAS Technologies. Latin NCAP encourages both car manufacturers as well as all other manufacturers to bring the most popular models in to the five star range. Vehicle safety labelling including Latin NCAP star rating is the most efficient tool to bring safer cars to the region earlier than regulations and as a result of a voluntary decision of the car manufacturers. Other NCAP programmes across the world have the involvement and support of the relevant governments, however this is not the case of Latin NCAP ”.
Stephan Brodziak, Latin NCAP Chairman said:
“We are pleased that there are two more Latin NCAP five star models in the Latin American and Caribbean markets: the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen New Virtus. This sets an example for those manufacturers that continue to sell us safety as a luxury, regardless of the impact this has on the lives of individuals, families, and the economy of the countries in our region. As for the Volkswagen New Polo, although it obtained a three star rating, and because it is a car with high market penetration in our countries, it presents areas of opportunity to improve its safety performance, particularly in terms of airbags and driving assistance technologies, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking. In order to help improve vehicle safety in the region we need a labelling programme that includes Latin NCAP star ratings. The role of the NCAP Programmes has been key to improve vehicle safety in different markets, which is why the United Nations supports these initiatives. It is time that Latin America and the Caribbean governments also recognise Latin NCAP crucial role as a catalyst for consumer protection”.
SOURCE: Global NCAP
