Five stars for new A-Class at Euro NCAP crash test: top marks and high customer demand for the compact model

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In the latest round of tests conducted by the European safety organisation Euro NCAP, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class was awarded five stars for outstanding occupant safety.

The new A-Class from Mercedes-Benz came through crash tests conducted according to the European NCAP process (New Car Assessment Programme) with flying colours and has therefore been awarded the top score of five stars for outstanding occupant safety.

In addition to the all-round protection for occupants in the event of frontal, rear or side collisions, Euro NCAP assesses the level of pedestrian protection provided. The A-Class, which features an active bonnet, scored top marks in this area. "The Euro NCAP awards represent clear recognition for the level of safety demonstrated by our vehicles, and we are delighted to receive this", explained Prof Dr Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety and Vehicle Functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars: "However, the standardised crash tests can only ever reflect a small proportion of the accidents that actually happen on our roads. During the design stage that goes into every model series, Mercedes-Benz therefore takes some 40 different accident constellations into consideration."

The test programme these days goes far beyond the impact configurations defined as the basis for international type approval in Europe, the USA and Asia. Mercedes-Benz also conducts its own extremely stringent crash tests, such as roll-over and roof-drop tests. As Professor Schöneburg added: "Our vehicles also feature a whole range of further systems that are not taken into account at all in the Euro NCAP rating. These reflect our focus on preventive systems and the avoidance of accidents."

These include COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, a system that helps to prevent or reduce the severity of accidents and which is standard on the A-Class, as well as the PRE-SAFE® safety system, available as an option for the A-Class.

Safety is just one of the qualities of the A-Class which has made it a hit amongst customers. A total of 90,000 orders have already been received for the car since sales commenced this summer.

Credits: Daimler AG / EuroNCAP

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