Euro-spec 2018 Ford Mustang improved its rating at the NCAP crash tests to 3 stars

The 2017 Ford Mustang only received a two-star rating (out of five) last January when it went through the European New Car Assessment Program. But now that there is a 2018 model year, the European NCAP had to re-evaluate the new and updated model. Thanks to the additional safety technology, the score had been raised to three stars. Not a huge difference, but it’s definitely better than a two.

Unlike the US based 2018 Mustang, the Euro-spec one now comes standard with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ‘Safety Assist Pillar’ increased from 16 percent to 61 percent - that is equivalent to a five-star rating in this category. These features are optional for the US market. The refreshed Mustang is now equipped with front airbags that meet Euro NCAP’s requirements, helping to avoid the worst case scenario during a serious collision.

For the adult occupant testing, the rating remains at 72 percent, while the pedestrian protection increased to 78 percent. In contrast, the child occupant rating goes down to 32 percent.

The refreshed 2018 Ford Mustang received a new nose, though it is identical to the 2017 model. That’s why the safety agency used the results from January instead of performing a new crash test. Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen said that what Ford did by introducing new updates was a great move indeed. Not only is the 2018 Mustang a much safer ride now, but it shows that the company cares about its customers and their safety.

The Euro NCAP advises their buyers to always opt for a car that they have awarded with five stars to ensure their safety. Ford added that the 2015 and the 2018 Mustangs are safe vehicles that come with advanced safety features.

The reason why the 2017 Mustang got a really low score is due to the lack of safety technology. For instance, it did not have rear seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters. Furthermore, when the crash test was done, the test dummy slid under the seatbelt and the airbags did not inflate sufficiently.

In other news, the US-spec 2017 Mustang was given a five-star score, or a top rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did not give the Ford Mustang a Top Safety Pick rating because it didn’t get at least an acceptable result in the small overlap front crash test. A requirement for one to get that designation is to get good scores in every test.

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Seat’s Star Supermini

Today, Euro NCAP published the safety ratings of six new cars and the rating of the Ford Mustang facelift. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Hyundai i30, Opel Insignia, SEAT Ibiza and VW Arteon are all awarded a maximum five-star rating; Honda’s new Civic gets four stars; and Ford’s muscle-car, the Mustang, gets three stars in its latest form.

The luxurious VW Arteon performed well in all areas of assessment, becoming the highest-scoring executive vehicle for pedestrian protection to date. Alfa Romeo’s new off-roader, the Stelvio, did exceptionally well in adult occupant protection, with a near-perfect 97 percent score, matching competitors like the Volvo XC90, assessed in 2015.

The SEAT Ibiza stood out for its high level of standard safety equipment. Other cars in this category often have autonomous braking as an option but the Ibiza’s system, which includes pedestrian detection, is standard equipment, helping it to a well-deserved five-star rating.

Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, “The greater the extent to which these new technologies are fitted, the better and faster will be the progress in safety on our roads, to the benefit of all. It is to SEAT’s credit that they have made a sophisticated AEB standard on a supermini like the Ibiza, and we commend them for it.”

In the small family car category, Hyundai’s new i30 gets five stars with good performance across the board. The Honda Civic is let down by lower-than-expected protection offered to children, but is still rated as a solid four star car.

Earlier this year, the Ford Mustang scored disappointing two stars in Euro NCAP testing. Ford has responded by making AEB and Lane Assistance standard on its facelifted model and has introduced improvements on its frontal airbags. With these changes, the latest Mustang on sale has reached three stars.

Michiel van Ratingen, “It is good to see that after 20 years Euro NCAP’s call for safety improvement still strikes a chord with responsible companies like Ford. While a three-star rating is unexceptional, the updates Ford have introduced have not only made Mustang’s safety better in key areas but also show that the company cares about its customers and safety reputation.”