new Infiniti Q30 has received the maximum five-star rating by independent vehicle safety organization, Euro NCAP. The Euro NCAP scoring system considers various aspects of vehicle safety, such as occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist which is the availability and effectiveness of safety systems and driver aids. As well as achieving the maximum five stars, the Infiniti Q30 gained top scores in each of these four testing categories. Roland Krueger, President, Infiniti Motor Company, said: "The Q30 offers a comprehensive technology package that enhances the car's driving experience while providing maximum safety to all occupants. The five-star rating from Euro NCAP is testament to Infiniti's advanced safety approach." Occupant protection scored highly in the rigorous test program with an 84 percent rating for adult safety. As well as a driver knee airbag, the Q30 has driver-, passenger-, front hip-thorax side and front-to-rear curtain airbags. Designed and engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, an automated system in the front passenger seat will turn off the front passenger airbag when someone fits a rearward facing child seat. For Pedestrian Protection, the Q30 scored 91 percent, a score which is determined from tests to the most important vehicle front-end structures, such as the bonnet and windshield, the bonnet leading edge and the bumper. The Q30 is equipped with a sensor that detects a pedestrian's legs contact with the bumper and causes the hood to pop up to give more clearance between the hood surface and the hard parts of the engine to protect pedestrians. An 81 percent score in the Safety Assist category was due to the latest safety technologies fitted to the Q30 as part of Infiniti's acclaimed Safety Shield system. They include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Alert. Prior to the Q30, Infiniti received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for the Q50 Sports Sedan. When it was launched in Europe in 2013, that vehicle was also praised by Thatcham, the UK Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, for having one of the most advanced standard fit collision avoidance systems that the Centre had ever tested. — SG
