Honda’s Jazz has achieved the first three star pedestrian test rating for the Supermini class of Phase 14 of the Euro NCAP crash test results published today.

In addition, the Jazz has the best overall performance for combined safety in this class with 4 star occupant protection, 3 star pedestrian protection and 3 star child seat rating.

“We are delighted with the EuroNCAP result, which confirms the Jazz as another class leader for combined occupant and pedestrian safety along with CR-V and Civic.” said Yasuhisa Maekawa, President of Honda’s European R&D operations.

Honda stands out in that it manages to combine a high occupant protection rating combined with a good pedestrian rating across the majority of its range of cars on sale in Europe.

One of Honda’s prime objectives in designing the Jazz was best-in-class levels of safety and a carefully devised body structure based on extensive computer analysis and a real-life crash testing programme means that the Jazz has achieved a  Euro NCAP rating of four stars for occupant protection and three stars for pedestrian protection.

Honda’s G-control technology, now in use on many other Honda models,  allows the front frame to absorb more impact energy because it is longer, stiffer and straighter. The arched-type front side frame, as well as absorbing a large amount of impact energy in its own right, then channels energy back below the cabin area into the floor frame thereby minimising cabin intrusion. In addition, the cross members of the adjoining main frame surround the fuel tank providing a protective perimeter frame. This arrangement assures high body rigidity, and improved crashworthiness in a rational and simple design.

The excellent impact safety characteristics of the Jazz are complemented by driver and front passenger airbags (side airbags are standard or optional according to market).

To reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries during rear impacts, a new front seat design has been adopted. The headrests have been moved slightly forward, while the bending characteristics of the upper seat structure provide a more controlled energy-absorbing role to lessen the forces exerted on the neck of the occupant as he or she is pushed back in such situations.

In common with all new Honda models, ISOFIX child seat anchors are provided on the left and right rear. An unobstructed area between the bonnet and engine, bonnet hinges that compress upon impact, a specially designed front bumper and energy absorbing wiper pivots all contribute to pedestrian safety.

With one in six road deaths in Europe resulting from a cars impacting pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles, Honda’s unique G-Con frontal design to protect vulnerable road users can make a significant contribution in reducing this toll.

As a further commitment to road safety, Honda has become a founding signatory of the European Road Safety Charter, a major part of the European Commission’s plan to reduce road deaths, by 50% by 2010.

As market leader in the European motorcycle market, Honda has committed to a significant increase in the availability of its Advanced Braking System, an important safety development for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. By 2007, the majority of its two wheel products will be equipped with this system.

Each year nearly 40,000 people are killed on Europe’s roads and according to CARE (EU Road Accident Database) some 17% of all fatalities are motorcyclists (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds).

In conclusion, Honda is continually introducing developments on both passive and active safety in an effort to reduce road accidents. At the same time, it is investing in rider and driver educational programs in many countries in Europe.