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Euro NCAP is now publishing data on the effectiveness of cars’ electronic stability control systems for the first time.

The first results on the organisation’s website cover more than 40 cars that were crash-tested in 2009, and all of them passed the test.

The new 'effectiveness' results follow last year’s changes to Euro NCAP’s tests, which now include the fitment of stability control as part of the overall safety rating for any car.

The test
The new stability control tests, which are carried out by Thatcham, include a double lane-change manoeuvre at 50mph under the control of a steering robot. In accordance with the global standard they are based on, they also include multiple runs, increasing the steering angle and input each time; and, on cars where the stability control can be switched off, runs are carried out with the function on and off.

All cars passed – but some are criticised
To rate each car, the operators record whether it is responsive to the steering and whether it is skidding or spinning. Although all cars passed the test, Thatcham criticised the location of the stability control button on the Subaru Impreza, because it thought the system could be knocked off accidentally without the driver realising.

They also noted that, when the Alfa Romeo Mito’s three-mode steering system – DNA – was set to Dynamic mode, the car failed the test.

How stability control works
Stability control operates by comparing the driver’s steering and braking actions to what the car is actually doing. If it detects that the car is veering off the intended course – it is skidding, in other words – it automatically applies the brakes to bring the car back in line and could help to avoid an accident.

Research by Thatcham has revealed that cars with stability control are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without, and that there would be about 380 fewer deaths annually in the UK if every car had such a system.

Currently, only 63% of new cars in the UK have it fitted as standard, but Thatcham is campaigning for it to be installed on every car.

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Lexus has revised its LS saloon, giving it a new look and more standard equipment.

The changes to the styling centre on a revised front grille and rear bumper, with new LED sidelights and indicators integrated in the door mirrors.

At the same time, the range of paint colours has been changed, and now includes a new shade called Crystal Sapphire.

Interior upgrades
Inside, the 2010 car has new LCD instruments and improved head restraints, while all models get the Rear Seat Upgrade package, which includes four-zone climate control, a multi-function rear centre armrest and electric sunshades on the rear doors.

In addition, the Rear Seat Relaxation Package is now available on five-, as well as four-, seat models. This means the left-hand rear seat is fitted with an electrically adjustable ottoman foot and thigh rest, and an adjustable massage function. There's a more sophisticated climate control system, too.

On four-seat cars, the entertainment system has a roof-mounted monitor, but on five-seat cars, the screen is located on the centre console.

Backing up the sat-nav system is a 40GB hard disc drive, which includes 10GB storage for digital music files.

More new kit as standard
Also now standard across the range is automatic high beam headlight operation, which switches the main beam on and off as necessary.

Lexus has also improved the car’s brakes, and the company says they now provide 12.5% better stopping power.

Prices for the revised LS start at £87,440 for the long-wheelbase LS600h L, rising to £96,645 for the model fitted with the Rear Seat Relaxation Package.

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What Car? has two exciting and exclusive previews of new cars coming up – and you could be on the guest list.

Preview the Vauxhall Meriva
The second preview is from 4-6pm on Monday, March 22, and is your chance to try out the clever doors and seating flexibility in the next-generation Vauxhall Meriva.

Preview the Renault Wind
Then on Friday, March 26 we are revealing Renault’s new baby roadster, the Wind – the company's rival to the Mini Convertible and Peugeot 207 CC. This event will take place from 2.30-4.30pm.

Free M&S vouchers and MP3 transmitter
All the previews will take place at What Car?’s HQ in Teddington, Middlesex, and every participant will take home £20 of M&S vouchers and a free Belkin MP3 FM Transmitter. There are six places available on each preview.

Sign up now
If you would like take part in any of these events, email us here readertestteam@haymarket.com.

Make sure you include the following information:
• What car you currently drive;
• Where you'll be travelling from on the day;
• Your mobile number;
• Which preview you want to attend, and why you want to see the car.

Your comments and photographs will appear in future issues of What Car? magazine's Reader Test Team feature. You'll also be asked to speak on camera for footage to be broadcast on whatcar.com.

Please note that you will not be able to drive the car – this is a chance to give your views on its design, ergonomics and specification.

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UK car production increased dramatically in February compared with February 2009.

February's rise in production of 62.7% is the fourth month in row with a year-on-year increase in output.

Production of engines in the UK also rose sharply in February, with an increase of 58.9% last year.

Weak pound helps the car makers
The weak pound has been cited as a reason for the big increase in production, with exports being boosted as a result.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: 'Sterling movement has made UK-built products more competitive, enabling the UK to work through challenging economic conditions.

'UK-built engines and vehicles are exported to more than 100 markets worldwide.'

The benefit of the weak pound was highlighted by the fact that out of the 97,255 cars produced in the UK in February, more than 70% were exported.

Budget is critical
Despite being confident about the UK car industry's future, Paul Everitt said it was essential that the Budget on March 24 did not undermine confidence in the sector.

He said: 'Industry looks to next week's Budget to maintain stability in demand through continued investment in new products.'

A Budget that is sympathetic to the car industry is considered essential, because of the end of the UK scrappage scheme on March 31.

The Budget live on whatcar.com
We'll be covering the Budget live here on March 24. Log on for the news as it happens, and in-depth analysis from our consumer experts revealing how it affects you.

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Filed under: Sports/GTs, First Drive, Peugeot

Originally a 1997 motor show concept car, the RCZ's excellent reception tempted Peugeot into building it, the finished thing looking remarkably similar to the show car. A two-plus-two coupe pitched at the VW Scirocco, the pricier Audi TT, Nissan's 370Z, Renault's Laguna and Megane coupes and the more conventional BMW 1 Series Coupe, it's based on the mechanicals of the 308 hatchback. Despite the relatively unsophisticated mechanicals of this car Peugeot has massaged them very effectively to produce quite a sporting drive, especially from the 200bhp version whose sharper steering and more robustly located front suspension have produced one of the most entertaining Peugeots for years.

Continue reading First Drive: Peugeot RCZ

 

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