The European version of Chevy Volt, the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera, passed EuroNCAP crash tests with flying colors, clutching five stars on the way out.
Based on the tests done on the Volt, and sicne these cars are virtually the same, everybody knew it would score the highest ranking. The Ampera actually exceeded the maximum points needed to achieve the top rating in all categories including occupant protection, child safety, pedestrian protection and safety assist. It is also the first car tested by Euro NCAP to score maximum points in the side pole impact test, mandatory since 2009.
NCAP technicians also checked the electrical safety of the car after the impacts. No drama. The battery pack of the Ampera, comprising 288 cells in nine different modules, is located in the centre of the vehicle, and the vehicle structure is built around it.
Active and passive safety features on the Ampera include:
- Standard Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control, Electronic Brake- force Distribution, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control
- Eight airbags including front-, side- , knee- air bags as well as roof-mounted head-curtain air bags that help protect occupants in a side or rollover crash
- Optional rear-view camera system featuring a display integrated into the navigation system screen
- An ISOFIX child seat installation system for the rear seating positions
- Adjustable head restraints on the front seats which helps provide protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision
- Collapsible pedal assembly (Pedal Release System) for lower leg protection in a frontal impact.
The pedal assembly is also collapsible (Pedal Release System) for lower leg protection in a frontal impact. The Ampera is based on GM’s global compact car architecture, on which the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, another top Euro NCAP ratings winner, is also built.
