Volvo gets the full five stars as Ford fails miserably with just the two Euro Ncap Stars.

Today, Euro NCAP releases safety ratings for three cars: the Volvo S90 saloon and the V90 estate both achieve the maximum of five stars, while Ford’s Mustang scores two.

Launched last year, the S90 and V90 are the latest additions to the Volvo Cars line-up and the first cars to be tested against Euro NCAP’s 2017 test regime. 

Both models take advantage of the many advanced technologies of the XC90 and made a big impression in all areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment. Standard-fit autonomous emergency braking for cars and pedestrians performed outstandingly well in Euro NCAP’s tests and the vehicles also offer lane and speed assistance.

The S90 and V90 results surpass the best overall score of any model tested last year and now make Euro NCAP’s top-3 best performing cars ever, all Volvo. 

In contrast, Ford’s iconic muscle-car, the Mustang, has scored a two-star rating for overall safety, with concerns about its crash protection of adult and child occupants and a worrying lack of safety equipment commonly available on the European market. The results reveal the American “DNA” of the Mustang that is designed to score well in the less wide-ranging US consumer tests. The European variant has seen only those minor updates required to meet European (pedestrian) safety regulation and the Forward Collision Warning system was removed when it was introduced here.

In the frontal offset test, the airbags of both the driver and passenger inflated insufficiently to properly restrain the occupants. In the full-width frontal test, a lack of rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters meant that the rear passenger slid under the seatbelt, implying higher risk at abdominal injuries in real life accidents. In the side impact crash, the head of the 10-year dummy contacted the interior trim bottoming out the curtain airbag

OH DEAR - Ford have been awarded ONLY 2 stars in the latest round of EURO NCAP Tests on the Mustang.

Thatcham Research, the independent automotive research centre, and voice of Euro NCAP in the UK, says that the Ford Mustang bucks the positive trend towards safer cars by not offering similar levels of safety in the UK as in the United States, and advises that there are safer choices as a result of the Two Star Euro NCAP rating it received today. “We have not given a Two Star Euro NCAP rating to any of the top 10 car brands since 2008”, comments Matthew Avery, Director of Research at Thatcham Research.  “This really bucks the trend. Car buyers are increasingly benefitting from improved safety functionality and features, and this applies equally to cars in the sports roadster category as to family cars. We have concerns about the Ford Mustang’s crash protection of adults and children which also makes it unsuitable for having rear passengers. On top this, it does not have basic life-saving technology like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) that is available even on the Ford Fiesta, and the recently launched Ford Edge. “What really concerns me,” continues Avery, “is that Ford has made a deliberate choice. The car has been designed to score well in less wide-ranging US consumer safety tests and only minor updates have been made to meet required European (pedestrian) safety regulations. This has resulted in poor adult and child protection scores and the high-tech radar collision warning system that is available to US consumers, not being available here in the UK. The Two Star Euro NCAP rating is the consequence.” In the frontal offset test, the airbags of both the driver and passenger inflated insufficiently to properly restrain the occupants. In the full-width frontal test, a lack of rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters meant that the rear passenger slid under the seatbelt, implying higher risk at abdominal injuries in real life accidents. In the side impact crash, the head of the 10-year dummy contacted the interior trim bottoming out the curtain airbag. Ford say that a face-lifted Mustang will be available later this year with Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keep Assist as standard. Euro NCAP expects to test the safety of this updated model when it is available on the European market. Other sports roadster cars rated by Euro NCAP over the past few years include the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mazda MX-5. In contrast, the VOLVO S90 and V90 receive Five Star Euro NCAP ratings today as a result of their class leading safety. Both cars follow the trend set with the XC90, with excellent occupant protection, and a full suite of AEB functionality that includes pedestrian and cyclist crash prevention technology as well as its unique AEB system that is capable of identifying large animals. The S90 and V90 results surpass the best overall score of any model tested in 2016, with Euro NCAP’s top-3 best performing cars ever, all now being Volvos. “Despite being at a different price point to the Volvo XC90, the Volvo S90 and V90 have the same levels of safety as the XC90. It does make you wonder if anything rubbed off on Ford from the VOLVO/Ford partnership,” concludes Avery. Thatcham Research is the independent voice of automotive safety & repair, advising motorists, insurers and vehicle manufacturers to help reduce accident frequency, severity and costs and to realise the vision of ‘Safer cars, fewer crashes’. As well as its world leading crash and track research, Thatcham Research tests and accredits crash repair parts, vehicle repair technicians, and a number of other products and services within the collision repair industry for insurers, motor manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers. A founder member of the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR), Thatcham Research has also been a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) since 2004.

USA - Luxury brand, Genesis to showcase the G80 3.3T Sport at this years Los Angeles Auto Show.

• Three refined engine options: 5.0-liter V8, 3.8-liter V6 and all-new 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6
• New 3.3T Sport trim delivers dynamic performance, sport styling and ultimate comfort and convenience with class-leading features
• Added safety features for 2018 provide segment-leading standardized suite of safety technology unrivaled in the mid-luxury segment

Genesis has introduced the all-new 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport trim, which will be on display at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The G80 3.3T Sport builds on the refined performance of the popular Genesis G80 and adds a powerful new 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine plus unique sport performance upgrades delivering improved driving dynamics and sport agility. 

In addition, distinctive styling elements and features visually differentiate the new 3.3T Sport from the rest of the enhanced Genesis G80 model line-up. The 2018 Genesis G80 is scheduled to arrive in the Spring of 2017.

2018 GENESIS G80 3.3T SPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Powered by a new 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and sport-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology
  • Horsepower: 365 @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 376 @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
• Continuous Damping Control suspension for enhanced vehicle dynamics and superior ride quality
• Distinctive sport designed exterior with dark chrome trim and Genesis signature copper-colored accents
• Leather sport seats and steering wheel with copper contrast stitching
• Genuine carbon fiber interior trim and aluminum sport pedals
• Unique 19-inch dark alloy wheels
• Two exclusive colors: Polar Ice & Sevilla Red
• Well-equipped standard safety technology and convenience features* including:
  • 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation system with DIS multi-media controller
  • Multi-view camera
  • Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)
  • Lexicon® Premium Sound System with 17 speakers includes QuantumLogic® Surround Sound and Clari-Fi® music restoration technology
  • Wireless device charging (Qi standard)

*New features available on 3.8 and standard on 5.0 models

“The G80 3.3T Sport reflects our continual commitment to provide drivers with compelling vehicles that meet their individual needs,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. “By extending the G80 model line-up beyond the 3.8 and 5.0-liter engines, the 3.3T Sport expands G80’s range of pure performance capability and competitiveness within the mid-luxury sedan segment.”

The G80 Sport is powered by a 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine boasting 365 horsepower, and is paired with a sport-tuned version of the same eight-speed automatic transmission equipped on both the 3.8 and 5.0 models. New shift-by-wire technology is standard on the Sport. In addition, the G80 3.3T Sport features an upgraded suspension system with continuous damping control to provide superior vehicle dynamics and ride compliance. An augmented rear brake set-up with ventilated rear discs brings the Sport to a halt to complete this confident and exhilarating driving performance package.

Exclusive sport exterior enhancements and Genesis signature copper-colored styling elements visually distinguish the 3.3T Sport from the other G80 trims and purvey its performance credentials. The G80 Sport features a bold, cross-hatch design dark chrome grille, sport rocker moldings and unique lower front and rear fascia designs for an aggressive sport appearance. Large 19-inch dark alloy wheels plus additional dark satin trim details accent the vehicle’s exterior design. The sport details continue inside the cabin where the driver is presented with sport pedals and a thick, sport-designed steering wheel. Generously bolstered sport seats with contrast stitching embrace the driver, and are offered in either black or gray leather. A rich, black microfiber suede headliner and genuine carbon fiber interior trim finish the cabin’s interior environment.

Two exclusive colors are available on the G80 3.3T Sport, Polar Ice and Sevilla Red, in addition to Casablanca White, Caspian Black and Himalayan Gray.

All 2018 Genesis G80s benefit from the latest in multimedia and connectivity technology, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ support plus available wireless device charging. Both the G80 3.8 and 5.0 also receive an exterior freshening that features a redesigned front bumper with a refreshed grille and new rear undercover. A new, standard 18-inch alloy wheel design on the 3.8 adds a modern update to the vehicle’s sleek side profile appearance. On the inside, well-designed interior enhancements and high-grade materials including genuine aluminum and new matte-wood finishes refresh the G80’s luxurious interior cabin.

2018 GENESIS G80 HIGHLIGHTS (3.8 and 5.0):

• Updated 8-speed automatic transmission with available shift-by-wire technology (standard on 5.0 model)
• Refreshed exterior design: headlights, lower front grille, front and rear fascia
• New, standard 18-inch wheel design
• Interior enhancements including new instrument cluster, shift knob, rearview mirror, analog clock and premium speaker design
• New available genuine matte wood finishes: Paldao and Sapale wood
• Modern aluminum trim pattern
• Standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ plus additional front USB charge port
• Added Pedestrian Detection and Driver Attention Alert as standard safety technology
• Superior in-cabin noise levels and comfort with improved NVH enhancements

For 2018, all Genesis G80 trims, including the 5.0-liter, will be available with the choice of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive to manage various driving conditions and meet consumer demands. While buyers have the choice of powertrains on their G80, safety is not an option when it comes to Genesis’ commitment to driver and passenger protection.

As the first rear-wheel drive mid-luxury sedan to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2016, the 2018 Genesis G80 continues to augment its unsurpassed safety standards with the addition of Pedestrian Detection to the Automatic Emergency Braking system and standard Driver Attention Alert. 

Available LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light and a multi-view camera in addition to the class-leading standard suite of safety features makes the 2018 G80’s safety offering one of the most comprehensive in the segment.

2018 GENESIS G80 STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES COMPARISON

Standard Safety Features	2018Genesis G80	2017Lexus GS	2017 MercedesE300	2016 BMW 528i	2017 Volvo S90
Automatic Emergency Braking w/Pedestrian Detection	S	S	S	O	S
Driver Attention Alert	S	N/A	S	N/A	S
Blind Spot Detection	S	S	O	O	O
Rear Cross-traffic Alert	S	S	O	N/A	O
Lane Keep Assist	S	S	O	N/A	S
Lane Departure Warning	S	S	O	O	S
Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop/Start	S	S	O	O	S
High Beam Assist	S	S	O	O	O
Rearview Camera	S	S	O	O	S
Haptic Steering Wheel	S	S	O	O	S
Pre-Active Seatbelt	S	S	S	N/A	S

To truly elevate the luxury ownership experience, all Genesis vehicles include exclusive consumer-centric programs and amenities. From service valet appointments scheduled using the Genesis Intelligent Assistant mobile app to complimentary maintenance and Genesis Connected Services, the Genesis Experience is designed to provide the luxury of time.

• 3 years/36K miles Complimentary Normally Scheduled Maintenance
• 3 years/36K miles Complimentary Valet Service
• 3 years Complimentary Genesis Connected Services (including Connected Care, Remote, and Guidance)
• 3 years Complimentary SiriusXM® Travel Link (Traffic & Data)
• 3 years Complimentary Map Care – Annual map updates
• Best-in-Industry Warranty with Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Concierge Services

All Genesis vehicles offer Genesis Connected Services to bring seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Destination Search powered by Google®, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. With a three year complimentary subscription, Genesis Connected Services further enhances driver and passenger safety with SOS Emergency & Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) to provide peace of mind. In addition, Amazon Alexa allows customers to send remote commands such as Remote Start with Climate Control and Remote Door Lock/Unlock directly to the vehicle through Genesis Connected Services and an Alexa-enabled device. Genesis Connected Services can also easily be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror and center stack, the web at MyGenesisUSA.com or via an exclusive Genesis owners’ smartphone app.