The Volkswagen Sharan has been awarded a with a commendable four-star safety rating by Euro NCAP despite one of the car’s doors falling off during one of the tests.
During Euro NCAP’s pole impact test, which is designed to simulate a 20mph side-on collision with a solid object such as a tree or lamp post, the nearside rear passenger door detached from the vehicle.
UK vehicle safety assessor, Thatcham Research said the weakness posed “a risk of occupant ejection” in the event of a crash.
However, the people carrier still performed well in the crash tests, earning 89 per cent overall in its category.
Thatcham Research explained that had the door remained attached to the car, the model would have been awarded 15.9 out of a maximum 16 points in the pole impact test.
Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP board member, said: “The pole crash is the most structurally invasive of all Euro NCAP crash test assessments.
“In the test, the Volkswagen Sharan showed a high level of protection for the occupants and the restraint systems are well-designed to prevent injuries.
“However, the instability of the side-door was of concern and resulted in points being deducted.
“This reflects the fact that although the overall performance of the vehicle was not compromised, there could be, in extreme circumstances, a risk of ejection.”
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