Euro NCAP Crash Test Results

Test results and safety ratings

Mercedes-Benz A-class 2012

1.6 petrol 'Urban' , 5-door hatchback

Test Date: Nov 2012

Mercedes-Benz A-class crash test picture
Overall Star Rating Crash Rating 5 Stars
Adult Occupant 93%
Child Occupant 81%
Pedestrian 67%
Safety Assist 86%

Compare with other cars in the Small Family Car category

Driver head - Good
Driver neck - Good
Driver chest - Good
Driver abdomen
Driver right femur - Good Driver left femur - Good
Driver right lower leg - Adequate Driver left lower leg - Adequate
Driver right foot - Good Driver left foot - Good
Passenger head - Good
Passenger neck - Good
Passenger chest - Good
Passenger abdomen
Passenger right femur - Good Passenger left femur - Good
Passenger right lower leg - Good Passenger left lower leg - Adequate
Passenger right foot Passenger left foot
Side impact head - Good
Side impact chest - Good
Side impact abdomen - Good
Side impact pelvis - Good
Green = Good Good
Yellow = Adequate Adequate
Orange = Marginal Marginal
Brown = Weak Weak
Red = Poor Poor

Adult occupant

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. The A-Class is fitted as an option with Mercedes-Benz's 'PRE-SAFE' ® system which primes the restraint and protection systems in readiness for a collision. The tested cars were not fitted with this system. Dummy readings showed good protection of most body regions, including the knees and femurs, of both front seat occupants. Mercedes-Benz showed that a similar level of protection would be available to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different seating positions. In the side barrier test, the A-Class scored maximum points, with good protection of all body areas. In the more severe side pole test, protection of the head and pelvis was good and that of the chest and abdomen was adequate. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end impact. Mercedes-Benz's 'Collision Prevention Assist' (CPA) is standard equipment and is designed to help drivers avoid or mitigate longitudinal accidents where whiplash injuries might occur.

Child occupant

Mercedes-Benz's 'CPOD' system is available as an option. The system automatically deactivates the front passenger airbag to allow suitably equipped Mercedes-Benz child seats to be used rearward-facing in that seating position. The system does not work with other child restraints and was not rewarded by Euro NCAP. The dangers of using a rearward-facing restraint in that seating position without first disabling the airbag were clearly explained in the vehicle.

Pedestrian

The A-Class is equipped with an 'active' bonnet. Sensors detect when a pedestrian has been struck and raise the bonnet to provide greater clearance to the hard structures which lie beneath. Mercedes-Benz showed that the system worked reliably over a range of speeds and for different statures of pedestrian so the tests were done with the bonnet in the deployed position. In all areas likely to be struck by the head of a child, protection was good and the A-Class scored maximum points in this area. In those areas on the bonnet surface where an adult's head would strike, protection was also good but poor protection was provided in areas where the head would strike the windscreen, for example. The front edge of the bonnet offered poor protection but the bumper provided good protection in all areas tested, and scored maximum points.

Safety assist

Electronic stability control is standard equipment and met Euro NCAP's test requirements. A seatbelt reminder is standard for both front and rear seats. A driver-set sped-limitation device is available as an option but did not meet Euro NCAP's fitment requirements for assessement in 2012.

applies to all A-class of the specification tested