Euro NCAP names safest cars of 2010 across five classes
BMW 5 Series, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Honda CR-Z among top performers as Euro NCAP toughens crash test criteria for 2010.
Euro NCAP has announced its top performers for 2010, naming five cars as best in class after a year of tougher crash test criteria. The BMW 5 Series, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Honda CR-Z, Kia Sportage and Toyota Verso each led their respective categories, achieving five-star ratings and the highest overall scores among their peers.
Class winners in detail
In the executive segment, the BMW 5 Series secured the top spot, combining strong occupant protection with advanced safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta led the small family car class, reflecting both crash protection and active safety features. The Honda CR-Z, a hybrid coupe, took the supermini title, outperforming rivals on both crashworthiness and pedestrian safety.
Kia’s Sportage was named best small off-roader, a result that underlined the Korean brand’s progress in safety engineering. The Toyota Verso completed the list, topping the small MPV category with a five-star score.
Tougher standards, fewer five-star cars
Euro NCAP tested 29 cars in 2010, but only 65% achieved the maximum five-star rating. This was a marked drop from the 90% five-star rate seen in 2009. The agency attributed the decline to stricter scoring, particularly in areas such as child protection and safety assist technologies. Euro NCAP said the results still showed that manufacturers were committed to delivering high safety standards across all market segments.
Lowest performers: Citroën Nemo and Landwind CV9
The Citroën Nemo was the lowest-scoring European model, receiving three stars. The Landwind CV9, the first Chinese car tested by Euro NCAP, fared worse, earning only two stars and being named the least safe car of the year. Both results highlighted the increasing gap between top and bottom performers as test protocols evolve.
What the results mean for car buyers
For buyers, the 2010 results reinforced the importance of checking independent safety ratings, especially as requirements become stricter each year. With only 65% of tested cars reaching five stars, the badge is a more meaningful differentiator than in previous years. The strong showing from brands such as BMW, Alfa Romeo, Honda, Kia and Toyota gave buyers a clear reference point for safety in each major segment.
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