Founded in 1997, in the United Kingdom, the “European New Car Assessment Programme” is a European vehicle safety programme, which is currently funded by the European Union. Following the model introduced by the USA in 1979, Euro NCAP is the independent organization responsible for assessing the safety levels of vehicles marketed in Europe.
The assessment of car safety is divided into four categories: adult protection (driver and passenger), child protection, pedestrian protection and assisted safety.
The final rating for each category is measured in stars:
- a star means the vehicle has marginal and limited accident protection
- five stars represent a vehicle with advanced technology and an excellent level of safety.
Since 2009, a general safety classification has been given, taking into account all categories. Thus, it is possible to know which are the safest vehicles in each category.
To check your car's safety level, visit the Euro NCAP website (only for cars launched from 1997 onwards).