Honda Accord Scores Highest Euro NCAP Crash Test Rating in Class

The new Honda Accord achieved the best combined safety rating in its class, in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results, published today. The Accord was awarded the first-ever three star pedestrian rating in the large family class, along with 5 star adult protection and 4 star child protection. "We are delighted with the EuroNCAP result, which confirms the new Accord as the leader for combined adult, child and pedestrian safety in the large family car class. With this rating, and the advanced active safety features of the Accord, our customers can experience the most effective technologies put into practice, with our goal of providing safety for everyone," said Ken Keir, Managing Director, Honda (UK). Innovative safety features fitted as standard: • Active head restraints • Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) • Motion Adaptive EPS Plus: • Dual stage front airbags • Driver and front passenger side airbags • Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters • Full length curtain airbags • ISOFIX fittings and tether anchor points A host of advanced safety features are available on the new Accord, placing it at the forefront of its category for safety. It is the first D-sector car to be available with Collision Mitigation Braking System, which comes as part of the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) along with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). ADAS is available as an option on all EX and EX GT models, excluding 2.0-litre EX saloon models. In addition, for the first time, EuroNCAP has published Whiplash ratings for the front seats and the Accord achieved a score of 2.26 out of 4. — Motion Adaptive EPS The latest Accord features a new and innovative system in which the capabilities of both VSA and the car's Electric Power Steering are brought to bear. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. The input is barely noticeable and control of the steering remains with the driver at all times. But this supporting steering torque is enough to prompt the driver to act intuitively and the driver's reaction as a result is enough to regain stability or to shorten braking distances, allowing control to be maintained. ADAS (optional across the range) LKAS: Uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety. ACC: Uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, for more relaxed, less tiring driving. CMBS: Monitors the following distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure Progressively introduced throughout the Honda range, the Accord's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure provides significantly enhanced occupant protection in a variety of real-world crash conditions. A front-mounted polygonal main frame is designed to prevent cabin deformation by distributing forces through multiple major load bearing pathways - and away from the passenger compartment. This is particularly important where a frontal collision occurs between vehicles of differing heights, weights or frame construction. To achieve top level, side impact safety, Honda's engineers have increased the side section of the frame and chosen different material specifications to provide the desired level of stiffness and strength for critical areas, without adding unnecessary weight. The new Accord also incorporates many of the pedestrian-protection design features already familiar from recent Honda models, including windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact, energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges alongside an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation.