NEW ASTRA RECEIVES FIVE-STAR EURO NCAP RATING
VIEW THE NEW ASTRA WITH NORTHERN
MOTORS 11 – 13 DECEMBER 2009
- Outstanding crash performance due to super-rigid cabin
- Active head restraints give industry-best protection against
whiplash
- Maximum points received as part of new 2009 regulations
Luton – Europe’s leading safety
assessment body, Euro NCAP, has awarded Vauxhall’s new
British-built Astra five stars for safety – the top rating
available in tough new regulations rolled out this year.
Euro NCAP gave its highest points ever for the
Astra’s active head restraints, which protect against whiplash -
the most common occupant injury suffered when a car is struck from
behind. Vauxhall’s active head restraint system is also completely
reversible, requiring no dealer reset after a rear-end
collision.
The new regulation issued by Euro NCAP mean
that vehicles now have one overall star rating with a maximum five
stars. The number of stars reflects the car’s performance in four
key areas: adult protection, child safety, pedestrian protection
and safety assist. The score is calculated by weighing points in
these four areas, while ensuring that no one section is
neglected.
Passenger occupant protection in a frontal
impact attracted a very high score for the Astra, but points were
also added for its advanced Electronic Stability Control+ system,
which improves vehicle stability by detecting and minimising
skids.
The Astra’s rigid passenger compartment
contributed to the exceptional rating, too. The structure is made
from high-strength steel that Vauxhall’s engineers designed for the
least deformation and highest survival space in case of a crash.
The front and rear of the cabin are also surrounded by crumple
zones that deform and protect in a safe, controlled manner.
Among the many safety features in the Astra
are new, advanced dual seat belt pre-tensioners which help prevent
injury by keeping occupants’ hips in place during a crash,
eliminating the need for expensive, heavy knee airbags and
liberating more occupant storage space.
Other safety equipment comprises six airbags,
a smart seat belt reminder system and a passenger airbag
deactivation switch to allow child seats to be placed on the front
passenger seat. ABS with numerous assistance functions,
traction control, adaptive brake lights and Adaptive Forward
Lighting (AFL) are also included in the Astra’s safety armoury.
Contact:
Andy White, Sales Manager at Northern Motors
Watford, tel: 01923 813000
Derek Williams, Sales Manager at Northern
Motors Harrow, tel: 0208 427 4444
Steve Hooper, Sales Manager at Northern Motors
Ruislip, tel: 0208 842 1494