3 Series (F30) BMW's New 3 Series (F30) Shines at Euro NCAP

[martinbo]

It's still early days for this new generation of BMW 3 Series (codenamed internally as F30) and yet it has already garnered significant praise and recognition. Another feather in the cap of this highly accomplished car comes in the form of an excellent crash test result awarded by the world's most respected car safety authority - the European New Car Assessment Program or ENCAP for short.



The BMW 3 Series earned a commendable 5 star overall rating as a result of solid performances across the four key metrics of Adult (95%) and Child (84%) Occupant Safety, Pedestrian Safety (78%) and Safety Assist (86%) in the category of Small Family Car. This translates to an excellent average assessment score of 86% - well above that required to earn a 5 star rating. The Pedestrian Safetly rating of 78% is noteworthy as this is achieved without the use of active pedestrian protection systems proving that the 3 Series' sassy, sloping bonnet is as safe as it is good looking. The car tested was a left-hand drive 320d.

You can read more on: http://www.euroncap.com/results/bmw/3_series/476.aspx

Source: http://www.euroncap.com

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[Human]

Great! The F30's reputation is beyond repute

 

[Tumbo]

It would have been strange if it would get anything then a 5 star. It's 2012. Cars HAVE TO be safe.

 

[Centurion]

It would have been strange if it would get anything then a 5 star. It's 2012. Cars HAVE TO be safe.

Yeah it's 2012 and more than ever cars are specifically designed to pass these tests with a five star rating. It's like getting your hands on an exam a few weeks before sitting it.

 

[Tumbo]

Yeah it's 2012 and more than ever cars are specifically designed to pass these tests with a five star rating. It's like getting your hands on an exam a few weeks before sitting it.

Exactly! Thats why there is no WOW for me here.

 

[Human]

The 5 Stars just added to the WOW the F30 already is, Mr.Tumbo

The pedestrian safety rating is impressive nevertheless.

 

[Kowalski]

I'd be surprised if a Chinese car had earned a 5 star safety rating. I'd be surprised and worried...

 

[DblPen]

It would have been strange if it would get anything then a 5 star. It's 2012. Cars HAVE TO be safe.

5 stars is not impressive, but very high ratings are

 

[martinbo]

5 stars is not impressive, but very high ratings are

Exactly, it's not the 5 star rating - it's the excellent all round score that the F30 earned. That's why I deliberately didn't use a headline that reads "New 3 Series gets 5 star ENCAP rating". Sheesh, some people...

 

[speed_kills]

One of the differences is the 78% in pedestrian result. The A4 got 39% and the C got 30% in 2009, so we expect them to match the 3 in their new models.

 

[Human]

The 5 Stars just added to the WOW the F30 already is, Mr.Tumbo

The pedestrian safety rating is impressive nevertheless.

One of the differences is the 78% in pedestrian result. The A4 got 39% and the C got 30% in 2009, so we expect them to match the 3 in their new models.

That is impressive and whilst we are on the subject I do not have to write an essay about Volvo safety. Thus (I checked and it hasn't been ENCAP tested yet) let's wait and see how the new V40 fare in the pedestrian rating with:

And compare, IF its better that the F30 then good but it better be! However it's how much better the V40's going to be in the pedestrian rating vs the F30 without the Volvo pedstrian airbag

 

[Giannis]

There must be a video somewhere of how that airbag from the V40 works.

 

[Monster]

I am slightly concerned about Volvo's pedestrian air bag, because once it is deployed it seems to obstruct the driver's vision.

 

[Giannis]

The driver would have a whole pedestrian blocking his view, either way

 

[Human]

There must be a video somewhere of how that airbag from the V40 works.

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[K-A]

One of the differences is the 78% in pedestrian result. The A4 got 39% and the C got 30% in 2009, so we expect them to match the 3 in their new models.

I assume that has something to do with the 3ers blunt, bendy and puffy front end. I also wouldn't be surprised if the more Pedestrian-Safe these cars get, the worst looking the fronts will get.

 

[klier]

Nah. Can't say I am going to agree with that. The only disadvantage I see in these regulations is cars getting bigger and bigger every time...
It's nearly impossible to make a small nimble car these days. Only if you're willing to pay big money.