3.7.2002
Opel Vectra best family car tested

In Euro NCAP's most recent round of crash tests, the Opel Vectra achieved 30 points – the best result of the five family cars tested. The results of the tenth test phase were presented at a Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) press conference at Germany's "Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt)" (Federal Road Authority).

The Opel Vectra proved particularly safe in the side impact including the pole test, in which it scored the maximum number of points. The new Vectra's exemplary occupant protection is based on a highly stable bodyshell with crash-optimized structure and computer-calculated deformation zones. This is complemented by a full state-of-the-art safety package. Standard features include full-size front and front side airbags, full-size curtain airbags at the front and rear, the latest type of active head restraints with seat back support at the front, lap-and-shoulder seat belts and height-adjustable head restraints on all seats, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters, height-adjustable upper belt anchorages at the front and the two outer rear seats, and the patented Pedal Release System (PRS), which helps reduce the risk of injury to the driver's feet or lower legs in a severe crash.

The Interactive Driving System (IDS) with the latest ESPPlus Electronic Stability Program helps to prevent accidents from happening. Unlike conventional systems, ESPPlus controls up to three wheels via selective braking in unstable driving situations.

Europe's leading independent crash test procedure checks vehicle behavior in defined frontal and side impacts. In the frontal crash, the vehicle hits a deformable barrier at a speed of 64 kilometers per hour and an overlap of 40 percent. Side protection is tested by a 950-kilogram sled crashing into the vehicle's side at 50 km/h.