The new SEAT Leon and SEAT Toledo have both achieved five-star ratings in the latest round of results published today by the Euro New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), the independent automotive crash-test organisation.
Both the new Leon and Toledo achieved 94% for adult occupant protection. Maximum points were achieved for both models in the demanding side barrier test, with both cars offering good protection for all body regions.
For child occupant protection, the Leon scored maximum points based on the readings recorded from the child dummies during the dynamic tests. NCAP noted that the passenger airbag can be disabled to allow rearward-facing restraint to be used in the front seat and that the status of that airbag is clearly visible to the driver.
In terms of pedestrian protection, the Leon’s bumper scored maximum points for the protection it offered to pedestrians’ legs and the bonnet was described by NCAP as offering good protection in most areas likely to be struck by a pedestrian’s head.
The Toledo scored maximum points for protection of a three-year-old infant, measured by the readings recorded using the dummy. Like the Leon, the Toledo scored maximum points for the protection offered by the bumper to pedestrians’ legs.
Under the Safety Assist category, both the new Leon and Toledo scored 71%, with NCAP noting that Electronic Stability Control is standard equipment across both ranges.
In addition, the SEAT Lane Assist and Multi Collision Brake innovations have been recognised by Euro NCAP Advanced, which rewards technologies that demonstrate a scientifically proven safety benefit for consumers and society.
SEAT Lane Assist is an innovation that, above 65 km/h, helps the driver to stay within the intended lane. A camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror detects lane markings ahead of the vehicle and, using the power steering system, applies a steering correction prompting the driver to take action when it detects the car is about to cross the lane.
SEAT’s Multi Collision Brake is a system that applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a subsequent impact when a car has been involved in a collision. If the airbag is fired in response to a primary collision, the electronic stability control system will apply the vehicles brakes, as well as triggering the hazard warning lights and brake lights.
SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny said: “Gaining the maximum five-star award from Euro NCAP for both the Leon and Toledo is a brilliant achievement. We truly believe that between them these two wonderful cars cover every base – and to have their robust safety qualities ratified by Euro NCAP gives welcome peace of mind for buyers.
“With the Toledo, its five-star rating is yet another reason for family buyers to give it serious consideration against cars in the class above. The amount of space it offers given its relatively small footprint is astonishing, and it has the lowest entry price point of any car of its type.
“And a five-star safety score is yet another string to the Leon’s bow – a car whose style, quality and dynamic abilities are already making waves among motoring industry experts.
“It’s not just having seven airbags as standard that makes the Leon so safe, but innovative technology like its Tiredness Recognition System, Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, and full LED headlamps, which offer a light that’s far closer to natural daylight than even xenon units provide.”
The SEAT Toledo hits UK dealerships in December, priced from just £12,495, and is available to order now, while the Leon priced from £15,670, comes to showrooms in March 2013, also open for ordering now.
