Ten Cars Achieve Five Stars in 2011 Euro NCAP Safety Tests
Euro NCAP’s November 2010 results saw ten of fourteen new models awarded top marks, with the Jaguar XF falling short of a five-star rating.
Euro NCAP’s final round of 2010 safety test results, published on 24 November, saw ten of fourteen newly tested models awarded the maximum five-star rating. The results, which effectively set the benchmark for 2011’s safest cars, highlighted strong performances from several mainstream brands but also exposed shortcomings in some executive and imported models.
Five-star performers and notable omissions
Among the fourteen models assessed, ten achieved the top five-star safety rating. These included several high-volume vehicles from European and Japanese manufacturers, reflecting the industry’s continued focus on occupant protection, child safety, and pedestrian impact standards. The full list of five-star cars was not detailed in the available sources, but the strong showing suggests most mainstream manufacturers are meeting or exceeding Euro NCAP’s evolving requirements for 2011 registrations.
Three vehicles, including the Jaguar XF, were awarded four stars. The XF’s result is notable as it was the only executive-class car in this test group, and expectations for premium models are typically high. The specific areas where the XF fell short were not detailed in the summary, but Euro NCAP’s four-star rating generally indicates solid performance with minor deficiencies, often in pedestrian safety or active safety technology provision.
How the ratings are determined
Euro NCAP’s star system reflects performance across four main categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist technologies. Five-star cars must perform well in all areas, while four stars often signal a shortfall in one or more specific tests. The 2010 protocols, which apply to the 2011 model year, placed added emphasis on electronic stability control and advanced driver assistance systems.
Implications for buyers and manufacturers
For buyers, the results confirm that most new cars on sale in 2011 will offer high levels of crash protection and active safety features. The strong showing by volume brands means safety is now a baseline expectation, not a premium extra. For manufacturers, a five-star rating remains a key selling point, especially in family and fleet markets. However, the four-star result for the Jaguar XF shows that even established brands can be caught out if their models lag behind on the latest safety technologies or pedestrian protection standards.
- Five-star cars: Majority of mainstream European and Japanese models tested
- Four-star cars: Jaguar XF and two others (not specified)
- Two-star car: Landwind CV9 (not for UK sale)
Context: Euro NCAP and the wider safety picture
Euro NCAP’s annual test results are closely watched by manufacturers and consumers alike. The 2011 results reinforce the progress made since earlier years, with more cars than ever achieving top marks. For context, previous years saw a wider spread of scores, and some manufacturers have made substantial improvements in response to tougher protocols.
While the Landwind CV9’s poor result will have little direct impact on UK buyers, it serves as a reminder that not all new cars reach the same safety standards. For those interested in the evolution of vehicle safety, the trend is clear: five stars is now the norm, and anything less is likely to prompt questions from buyers and fleet operators.
