Whiplash test shows 80 per cent of seats need improvement

The first ever EuroNCAP rear impact testing results to identify whiplash injuries shows that most carmakers still have a long way to go in improving seat design that will protect consumers from whiplash injury. The results show that only five out of 25 seats tested received the best scores (see Table 1). These five cars with the best seats were the Volvo XC60, Alfa Romeo Mito, Volkswagen Golf VI, Audi A4 and Opel Insignia. Their results reflect a state of the art performance in whiplash protection. Euro NCAP said that the good development strategies that these carmakers have adopted will prevent whiplash. But it is concerned by the surprisingly low number of seats receiving a good result. Eight seats of the same 25 tested were rated as 'poor" or 'red". That means that the seat occupant has a significantly higher risk of developing a long-term injury in the case of a low speed rear-end collision. These cars were the Daihatsu Cuore, Citroen Berlingo, Hyundai i10, Citroen C5, Ford Kuga, Daihatsu Terios, Peugeot 308CC and the Suzuki Splash. Three of the eight seats that achieved a 'red" result were from cars that were awarded five stars in EuroNCAP"s adult occupant protection rating during 2008. These cars were the Citroen C5, Ford Kuga and the Peugeot 308CC. If judged under EuroNCAP"s new rating scheme in 2009, the overall rating for these vehicles would be significantly affected by the low scores received in this test. As from 2009, the new rear impact (whiplash) test will automatically be included as part of EuroNCAP"s first area of assessment, adult occupant protection. The tests indicated that the price of the vehicle does not seem to be reflected in the performance of the seat. Both expensive and cheaper cars did well and not so well in this test. For example, the pro-active head restraints such as those equipped in the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class did not fully live up to their claims.