When the car was first tested, it achieved four stars, but the manufacturer was so determined to achieve the maximum five that it arranged for the car to be re-tested. All Renault's models now achieve at least four stars, previously the maximum rating, and the achievement makes it possibly the manufacturer of the safest cars in the world, according to Euro NCAP ratings. The fifth star was introduced last year to set an additional safety challenge for Europe's car makers.
To be awarded the fifth star, a car has to perform 'exceptionally well' in both the front and side impact tests, as well as in Euro NCAP's new head protection or 'pole' test, simulating what happens when a car spins off the road and hits a pole or tree. Manufacturers claimed there was no way they would be able to meet the exacting safety standards, according to Euro NCAP organisers, but within months Renault became the first manufacturer to do so.
Alain Diboine, Renault's head of safety, said: 'These various successes are the result of a company strategy firmly centred on the theme of 'safety for all'. The results complete our range of top-scoring vehicles which started with the Megane in 1998 and I am pleased that the pioneering safety work the Renault team is doing helps reduce the number of fatalities on our roads today, irrespective of whether drivers are in a Clio or an Espace.'
The Laguna II's result was revealed alongside the latest batch of tests carried out by Euro NCAP on a group of mini-MPVs. Max Mosley, Euro NCAP chairman and president of the FIA, said: 'We are clearly delighted with the performance of the Renault Laguna. We hope many more manufacturers will now rise to Euro NCAP's five star challenge.'
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