Euro NCAP Crash Tests: Phase 12 Results
Published: 20th July 2003
The Phase 12 tests saw EuroNCAP award New Espace IV the maximum rating of 5 stars. The car gave an excellent performance and demonstrated particularly good resistance on impact. Espace IV scored 15.11/16 on frontal impact, 18/18 on side impact and gained an extra 2 points thanks to the seatbelt reminder alarm. As a result, Espace IV has achieved the best ever Euro NCAP score of 35.11/37, the first ever score of more than 35 points in the history of the organisation. Espace IV is now confirmed as not merely the safest vehicle in the MPV category, but also the safest vehicle in any segment. Even without the benefit of the 2 points for the seatbelts reminder, Espace IV and Laguna II both achieved the best ever-crash test scores.
The excellent safety level of Espace IV has at its heart an ultra-high strength steel structure and the third-generation System for Restraint and Protection (SRP), fitted as standard on all models since Laguna II in January 2001. Comprising airbags with inflation levels that adapt to impact severity, double pretensioners in the front seats to prevent occupants "submarining" under the safety belts and improved lower limb protection, the current Renault occupant protection system has already been proven efficient through research into accidents. Studies of real-world accidents involving new Renault models show a total absence of "submarining", a phenomenon responsible for serious abdominal injuries.
Laguna II: the safest car on its market segment
Ranked as one of the safest cars on the automobile market, just behind Espace IV, Laguna II earned the second best score ever. After testing the efficiency of the seat belt reminder alarm that has been fitted on the car since July 2001, Euro NCAP awarded Laguna II an extra point, giving it a total score of 34.11/37 points, and restoring the title of "safest car in the D market segment". The seatbelt reminder alarm is now fitted on all new Renault models.
| Espace IV | 5 stars |
"safest car in its category" |
(2003) |
| Vel Satis | 5 stars |
"safest car in its category" |
(2002) |
| Laguna II | 5 stars |
"safest car in its category" |
(2003) |
| Mégane II | 5 stars |
"safest car in its category" |
(2002) |
| Clio | 4 stars |
(2000) |
Renault has won more Euro NCAP stars than any other manufacturer, and continues to prove its expertise in safety, making its range the safest on the market.
