New Toyota Prius gets 5-star Euro NCAP rating

Euro NCAP has announced that it has tested the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems on two new cars, the Toyota Prius and the Suzuki Baleno, making them the first to receive a safety rating for the technology.

The Toyota Prius received five stars for its standard-fit ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ technology, which effectively demonstrated that it could recognise and avoid impacts with pedestrians.

The Suzuki Baleno scored three stars in its standard form, but received a higher rating of four stars when it came fitted with the carmaker’s optional ‘Radar Brake Support’, which adds AEB technology.

This demonstrates how such systems can increase a car’s safety rating and should help to motivate more manufacturers to offer AEB systems on their cars.

For cars with optional safety systems, Euro NCAP has introduced a dual rating system – one rating for base models, and one for higher-spec models (which might have more safety features).

The Baleno is the first model to receive the two-part rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said of the announcement: “The inclusion of AEB Pedestrian in the rating is a key milestone in the development of automotive safety that will help the proliferation of the crash avoidance technology into all segments of the market.

“At the same time, to provide accurate and clear information to consumers about the latest systems and what benefit they might bring, is becoming more challenging. The dual rating will simplify the choice for the safest car.”

NCAP has already integrated these changes, so all AEB and optional safety equipment-equipped models will be subjected to the extra test from here on.

New Toyota Prius shown at Auto Expo 2016