World Premiere Qoros 3 Hatch behind the scenes photoshoot

• World premiere of brand’s second production model: Qoros 3 Hatch
• New body style offers greater lifestyle practicality
• Displays subtly evolved signature Qoros design cues for a more compact, dynamic, sporty look
• Features excellent connectivity, generous interior space and equipment
• Based on the same platform that earned Qoros 3 Sedan the title of Euro NCAP’s ‘safest car of 2013’

A year after the debut of new international car brand Qoros and its first production car, the company will stage the world premiere of its second production model, the Qoros 3 Hatch, at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show on 4 March 2014.

The design and engineering of the compact (C-segment) Qoros 3 Hatch draws heavily on the brand’s first model, the Qoros 3 Sedan. While it is similarly inspired by contemporary European automotive styling themes, it displays a subtle, youthful evolution of the distinctive signature Qoros design cues to inject greater sportiness to the car’s appearance.

“The new Qoros 3 Hatch will appeal to the modern metropolitan always-connected customer who needs a little extra versatility provided by the hatchback body style," says Vice Chairman of Qoros, Volker Steinwascher. “It offers those with active outdoor lifestyles or young families extra practicality, combined with added coolness thanks to its more spirited, sporty look.”

As well as rear lamp clusters and tailgate specific to the hatchback, the Qoros 3 Hatch features subtle visual changes at the front that differentiate it from the Sedan – notably to the front grille, front bumper and front fog lights. These create a bolder ‘face’ and a more compact, dynamic, sporty appearance that will appeal to a new, more lifestyle-oriented group of customers.

Inside, key ergonomic features, refinement, understated quality and equipment are shared with its sedan compatriot, although new upholstery colour combinations and materials will provide a fresh, new ambience.

Each Qoros 3 Hatch will be fitted as standard with the brand’s innovative eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Qoros MMH™ (multimedia hub) – which is operated via smartphone-type multi-gesture finger swipe inputs for minimal driver distraction. The hardware, software and graphics were designed and developed in-house by Qoros with the support of world-leading systems specialists.

As part of Qoros’ strategic objective to be creative in meeting the lifestyle needs of the modern metropolitan ‘always-connected’ consumer, the majority of the line-up will feature QorosQloud™, which delivers a comprehensive suite of free-for-life services with 3G connectivity, including vehicle monitoring, social networking and enhanced navigation. It brings a new perspective to the way motorists interact with their vehicles, seamlessly integrating with other digital devices through a dedicated website and smartphone apps.

The Qoros 3 Hatch is based on the same innovative modular platform as the Sedan. However, the Hatch features new C-pillars, roof, rear side panels, and tailgate, plus a new rear roof cross-member to maintain the car’s exceptional torsional rigidity. Built using the same high-strength steels and structural design that resulted in the Qoros 3 Sedan being ranked by Euro NCAP as the ‘safest car’ of 2013, the new Hatch has the same wheelbase, width and height, but the rear overhang and overall length are reduced by 177mm.

With a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like silhouette, the 4438mm- long new hatchback will deliver unusually generous interior space for a vehicle in the compact segment.

The Hatch also shares with the Sedan its highly-efficient 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines and six-speed manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

The Qoros 3 Hatch will be manufactured in the brand’s all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable assembly plant in Changshu, China, on the same production line as the Qoros 3 Sedan.

The new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent.

EURO NCAP releases 2013 best in class winners.

Each year, Euro NCAP identifies the models tested that have achieved the highest scores in their respective class. In 2013, a total of 33 cars were tested in 7 different categories. The top achievers gained the highest overall scores, calculated from the results achieved in adult, child, pedestrian protection and safety assist tests.

The 2013 best in class cars are:

• Renault ZOE - Supermini
• Qoros 3 Sedan - Small Family
• Lexus IS 300h - Large Family
• Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect - Small MPV
• Jeep Cherokee - Small off-road 4X4
• Maserati Ghibli - Executive

The Qoros 3 Sedan becomes the best performer of any car subjected to Euro NCAP's crash tests in 2013 and is the first vehicle developed in China to achieve the highest five star rating under the overall rating scheme. The Supermini electric car Renault ZOE and the Large Family car Lexus IS 300h were the all round performers of the electric/hybrid cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2013. This year, the best in class honour in the Small MPV category is shared by the Kia Carens and Ford Tourneo Connect. Finally, the Jeep Cherokee and the Maserati Ghibli also receive the coveted designation from Euro NCAP in the Small Off-Road 4X4 and Executive categories respectively.

In 2013, Euro NCAP updated its assessment of child occupant protection, giving credit to manufacturers that allow for easy installation of most popular types of child seats and which comply with the most recent revised child safety standards. Furthermore, the organization has started to test voluntary-set intelligent speed assistant systems as part of the rating.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, says: 'Euro NCAP is continuously evolving in response to industry innovation and consumer expectation. It is very positive that the number of 4 and 5 stars is still significant despite of the ever increasing requirements. In 2014, another big step forward is taken by adding crash avoidance systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning tests to the overall star rating.' Michiel van Ratingen to add: 'The decision to reward collision avoidance technologies on new cars will encourage more widespread fitment and further improve the safety of all road users in Europe. We hope that this, together with very high levels of occupant protection, will allow consumers to choose the very safest vehicles in 2014 and after.'

The Best Euro car but Chinese, Is this the start of the Chinese revolution ?

• Qoros 3 Sedan ranked safest ‘Small Family’ car of 2013 by Euro NCAP
• Highest scorer in 2013 Euro NCAP programme in any class
• One of the best cars tested by Euro NCAP in its history
• First car developed in China to achieve five star rating

After achieving a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests last September, the compact Qoros 3 Sedan has been confirmed by the safety organisation as the best ‘Small Family’ car of 2013.

The Qoros 3 Sedan is the first car developed in China to be awarded five stars by Euro NCAP. The first production car from Qoros, the new international car brand headquartered in China, scored highly in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests and its overall score (88%) was the highest achieved by any vehicle tested during 2013 – placing it amongst the very safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.

Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said: “The Euro NCAP result demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we have achieved with the Qoros 3 Sedan. Reaching these very challenging world-class standards – not just in safety, but in every attribute of the car – was an objective from the very beginning and it is very satisfying to gain recognition for our endeavours.”

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, commented: “The Qoros 3 Sedan has received the official 2013 best-in-class honour and is the best performer of all the Small Family cars subjected to Euro NCAP’s crash tests in 2013. We congratulate Qoros for having achieved the highest safety record with the Qoros 3 Sedan, which becomes the first car developed in China to achieve the highest five stars at Euro NCAP’s tough crash test programme.”

The Qoros 3 Sedan scored the best result for Adult Occupant protection (95%) in Euro NCAP’s 2013 programme. The passenger safety cell proved to be extremely robust in front-end, side impact and pole impact collisions – minimising exposure of passengers to collision forces by diverting impact loads along predefined paths to dissipate their effect.

Equipped in the rear with ISOFIX child seat anchorages with top tether hooks, and a front passenger airbag disconnect switch, the Qoros 3 Sedan also scored maximum points for Child Occupant protection (87%) in the front and side crash tests, while proving compatible with all the Euro NCAP approved child seats.

It also achieved an impressive result in Pedestrian protection (77%) thanks to a development programme that included meticulous work with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). Qoros’ expert safety team developed one of the best pedestrian protection systems ever assessed by Euro NCAP.

The comprehensive suite of standard ‘passive’ safety equipment (designed to keep occupants safe during an accident) fitted to the Qoros 3 Sedan includes front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, three-point automatic seat belts on all seats and dual belt tensioners for front passengers. The front seat head restraints are designed to reduce whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.

The latest Euro NCAP test criteria includes an assessment of a vehicle’s ‘active’ Safety Assistance Systems (those designed to help prevent accidents) and here, the Qoros 3 Sedan also recorded an excellent result (81%). Standard equipment includes: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BA (Brake Assist) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), plus seat belt reminders for all occupants and a driver-set speed limiting device.

Euro NCAP is an independent consortium with eleven members made up of government representatives, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations.  The transport ministries of Sweden, France, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Catalonia and Germany are involved, alongside the FIA, the German Automobile Club (ADAC), International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) organisation, and the Thatcham Research Centre run by British motor insurers. It continually adapts its assessment protocols, challenging manufacturers to deliver ever safer vehicles. The 2013 assessment was the most challenging so far, with the Pedestrian protection procedures being even more comprehensive than 2012, along with tougher scoring criteria in the Safety Assistance Systems assessments.

The four Euro NCAP test criteria are given different weighting when calculating the vehicle’s overall score. Adult Occupant protection has a 50 per cent weighting, Child Occupant and Pedestrian protection categories each have a 20 per cent weighting, and Safety Assistance Systems has a 10 per cent weighting.

Mitsubishi ASX, increased range, decreased price.

 Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce the arrival of the ASX automatic and confirm the new ASX model line-up.

With over 340,000 units sold around the world since its launch in 2010, the Mitsubishi ASX has proved to be a global success for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).

Mitsubishi’s clever and capable crossover, ASX, has always stood out from the crowd – and with the 2014 model year just arriving in dealerships, it will soon be attracting more attention than ever. And, never a manufacturer to rest on its laurels, Mitsubishi – the UK’s fastest-growing car brand this year – has refreshed and refined many aspects of the vehicle.

Be Safe, Not Sorry

The ASX isn’t just environmentally aware, it’s a safe choice too. The ASX incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE safety technology (which dissipates the energy from the impact away from the passenger compartment) as well as ABS anti-lock braking, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist an Emergency Stop Signal System, Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorage and up to 7 airbags as standard. The result is a reduced likelihood of an accident, but should a collision be unavoidable, the ASX not only provides outstanding levels of occupant protection – with a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating – but also excellent pedestrian impact protection.

Under the Bonnet

The ASX has the choice of three Euro V compliant engines: A 1.6 petrol with 115bhp and a 1.8 Di-D low-CO2 turbo-diesel with 114bhp. A five-speed manual is fitted on the 1.6 and a six-speed manual comes with the 1.8 Di-D. An automatic version of ASX is also available – with the 2.2 4N14 16V DOHC engine found in new Outlander.

Stylish and Practical

Based on the same platform as the Outlander, Lancer and Lancer Evolution X, the ASX bridges the gap between Mitsubishi’s conventional passenger cars and its rugged off-roaders. Practicality and versatility are key to the appeal of the ASX. With a wheelbase to match the Outlander, passenger space is generous, with the flexible seating inside giving the ASX real versatility for customers looking for a practical, enjoyable family car. The addition of a stunning panoramic glass roof, complete with sophisticated mood lighting and electric seat controls on the ASX4, will enable front passengers to recline and gaze skywards.

Green Thinking and Economical

Helping the ASX achieve its impressive economy and emissions figures are low rolling resistance tyres, regenerative brakes and intelligent power management to allow the ASX to return its impressive consumption figures. Indeed, every aspect of the ASX has been engineered with its environmental performance in mind, to help create not just an enjoyable, versatile family vehicle, but a responsible one too.

The annual road tax cost ranges from to £125 for the 1.6 petrol engine to £175 for the 2.2 diesel engine. With class-leading economy and emissions, in line with Mitsubishi’s environmental aspirations, the frugal 1.6 petrol engine offers fuel economy of 47.1mpg, 55.4mpg for the 1.8 diesel engine and the 2.2 engine achieves 48.7mpg, based on the official combined cycle.

Going Automatic

Another welcome new addition is the option of automatic transmission, available on the ASX 4 2.2 Diesel 4WD version. The 1.6-litre 16v MIVEC engine comes exclusively fitted with a five-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive. The 1.8-litre Di-D diesel engine comes fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, and can be specified with either front- or four-wheel drive (AWC). The 2.2-litre diesel version is equipped with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Something for Everyone

The ASX starts with a choice of two-wheel-drive versions and all models include a spacious, family-friendly interior and offer a comfortable, refined ride.

For those requiring the security of four-wheel-drive, ASX also offers off-road flexibility and despite its compact dimensions, it is based on the proven capabilities of the bigger Outlander off-roader.  So for anyone needing to go off the beaten track, the ASX is more than capable.

Like other models in the Mitsubishi range, ASX is temptingly priced but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking key standard equipment. All models have alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and keyless entry. Other desirable features such as Bluetooth, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, seat heaters and a reversing camera are available.

ASX 2: The Mitsubishi ASX 2 is the entry-level ASX but even this model comes fully-loaded with equipment perfect for its intended audience – such as alloy wheels, air conditioning, Active Stability and Traction Control, remote keyless entry and seven airbags. New for 2014 is a Bluetooth hands-free system as standard.

ASX 3: The Mitsubishi ASX 3 moves the game on. It adds 17-inch alloys, climate control, push-start button, parking sensors, privacy glass, front fog lamps, cruise control and features six speakers. KOS (Keyless Operation System) features and the car also benefits from auto light and rain sensors. Heated front seats and a leather steering wheel add touches of luxury. Leather upholstery is an option too.

ASX 4: This is the most accomplished ASX of the lot, packed with creature comforts and bristling with clever technology. On top of an already strong list of standard equipment, the ASX 4 adds a reversing camera, leather upholstery, Kenwood integrated Satellite Navigation and CD/radio with MP3 compatibility. It come with 4WD – and new for 2014, automatic transmission. A major new feature is the ASX 4’s panoramic glass roof. By day the glass roof creates a fresh, open-air feel throughout the interior; and by night, with its LED mood lighting, it sets the tone for endless evening drive possibilities.

Colour Me Happy

Keenly anticipated by Mitsubishi’s dealer network in the UK, the new ASX range will be available in the following colours:

• Cool Silver (Metallic)
• Orient Red (Metallic)
• Amethyst Black (Metallic)
• Frost White (Solid)
• Granite Brown (Metallic)
• Atlantic Grey (Metallic)
• White Pearl (Pearlescent)

TLC

The ASX comes with three years unlimited mileage warranty, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty, 3 year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance. Servicing on the 1.6 ASX and the 1.8 ASX is 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first and the servicing on the ASX 2.2 is 9,000. The Mitsubishi Service Plan (MSP) is also available for the additional cost of £450 on the petrol variant and £650 on the diesel variant.

Go Compare

The re-aligned ASX range has achieved a competitive insurance group rating of between 13E to 20E depending on the derivative.

Money Talks

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce very competitive pricing:

ASX2   1.6 Petrol Manual £14,999 Was: £16,499
ASX3   1.6 Petrol Manual £16,750 Was: £18,359
ASX3   1.8 Diesel Manual £18,750 Was: £20,599
ASX4   1.8 Diesel 4WD Manual £22,499 Was: £24,895
ASX4   2.2 Diesel 4WD Automatic £23,899   Was: £26,295

Future Proof

Residual Values (RV), based on three years / 30,000 miles, range from 40 to 48 per cent.

View From The Top

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:

‘The crossover marketplace has grown rapidly in recent years and Mitsubishi Motors has been a key player in this important segment. The ASX is a stylish, well-priced, practical contender that has won many admirers and delivers genuine driving pleasure.

Providing excellent economy and emissions, versatility, as well as comprehensive standard equipment, not to mention reassuring safety features, the ASX has everything the crossover buyer is after.

And we’re sure that the improvements made for 2014 will enhance the appeal of the ASX still further and attract more customers to our fast-growing brand.’

Subaru XV Black edition, looks, quality and rugged, go anywhere appeal.

• Limited run model with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and manual and Lineartronic transmissions
• Visual changes boost the XV’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal
• XV retains the highest Euro NCAP safety rating in its class
• XV Black Limited Edition priced from £24,495 (OTR)

Subaru has today announced the launch of the Subaru XV Black, a new limited edition variant of the manufacturer’s popular compact crossover. The ‘XV Black’ models will be available with either Subaru’s 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit and a Lineartronic automatic transmission.

Exclusively finished in Crystal Black Silica paint, the XV Black offers a number of visual additions unique to the special edition model, which are designed to boost the car’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal.  These include front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray.  Inside, the Black model is fitted with heavy-duty rubber floor mats.

The All-Wheel-Drive XV Black is priced at £24,495 (on-the-road) for the 2.0i Lineartronic and £24,995 for the 2.0 Boxer diesel, and is based on the existing SE model.  Motorists will pay just £1,000 for all the extras fitted as standard to the XV Black, which – if fitted separately as options to other models in the range – would total over £1,600, meaning the new Limited Edition model offers both exclusivity and value for money.

The XV enjoys a class-leading five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and at 90%, one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded, making it ideal for young families.

Perfectly suited to everyday use in an urban or out of town environment, the ‘go anywhere’ XV combines the highest ground clearance of any vehicle in its segment with the lowest centre of gravity.  Efficient engines and lightweight body mean the XV is able to return a 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 146 g/km CO2 (2.0-litre diesel models).

The new XV Black Limited Edition features Subaru’s typically generous standard equipment levels, including Subaru’s standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, providing world-class hazard avoidance capabilities.  Other standard features include front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, HID headlamps, and rear privacy glass.

Subaru XV Black Limited Edition

• Qoros 3 Sedan scores maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests
• Highest overall score so far in 2013
• Amongst the best ever tested by Euro NCAP
• First car from a brand headquartered in China to achieve  five stars

In a ground-breaking result, Qoros’ first production vehicle, the compact (C-segment) Qoros 3 Sedan, has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests.  Qoros is the first international brand headquartered in China to produce a car awarded five stars by Euro NCAP.

The Qoros 3 Sedan scored highly in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests and has the best overall performance of all vehicles assessed so far in 2013, placing it amongst the very best ever tested by Euro NCAP.

The Euro NCAP test procedure is an accredited benchmark for vehicle accident safety and is recognised by governments, automobile clubs and consumer associations across Europe.  As one of the world’s most comprehensive and authoritative independent crash safety tests, it assesses occupant protection in different impact scenarios, as well as the effectiveness of safety assistance systems and the level of protection for pedestrians.

Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said: “The safety of our vehicles was one of our key development goals from the start.  It’s a crucial demonstration that our customers are the most important consideration and it also says a great deal about the engineering integrity of the car as a whole.  So, while we expected a very good result in the Euro NCAP test, we are naturally very happy with how the car performed.  The Qoros engineering team invested an incredible amount of time and commitment in developing one of the safest vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP.”

Roger Malkusson, Executive Director of Vehicle Integration at Qoros, said: “We have been working towards this result for many years.  Our safety team is made up of experts from many different countries and our efforts have been focused on delivering a thoroughly well engineered car that achieved maximum safety scores.  We are very proud to have achieved the top rating of five stars.”

Occupant protection
The Qoros 3 Sedan scored the best result for Adult Occupant Protection in Euro NCAP’s 2013 programme so far.  The safety passenger cell of the Qoros 3 Sedan proved to be extremely robust in front-end, side impact and pole impact collisions.  

The body and structure of the car are designed to minimise the exposure of passengers to risks in the event of collisions, with the forces on the vehicle diverted along predefined load paths and absorbed by generously-sized deformation zones.  As the potentially huge impact energy generated in a collision is largely dissipated, the integrity of the passenger cell is maintained.

The comprehensive suite of standard passive safety equipment (designed to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident) provides the driver and passengers, irrespective of their size and seating position, with maximum protection against injury.  These include front and side airbags, side head curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, three-point automatic seat belts on all seats and dual belt tensioners for front passengers.  In the event of a rear-end collision, the front seat headrests are designed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.

Child safety is also a major consideration, with ISOFIX child seat anchorages in the rear, with top tether hooks, and a passenger airbag disconnect switch for the front passenger seat position.

The Qoros 3 Sedan also scored maximum points for child restraint in the front and side crash tests.   A new addition to this year’s Euro NCAP procedure assesses the vehicle’s compatibility with a wide range of child seats.  The Qoros 3 Sedan excelled, proving to be compatible with the full range of the Euro NCAP top pick child seats.

Pedestrian Protection
Qoros’ first production car also achieved an impressive result in the Pedestrian protection test thanks to a development programme that included meticulous work with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE).

Andy Piper, Chief Engineer of Vehicle Safety and Homologation explains: “The 2013 Euro NCAP protocol demands very accurate computer simulations when calculating the Pedestrian protection performance.  As industry standard pedestrian models were not sophisticated enough for this purpose, Qoros’ expert safety team developed its own models.  The outcome is that we are proud to have developed one of the best Pedestrian protection systems ever assessed by Euro NCAP without any compromise to our distinctive styling or our class leading aerodynamics performance.”

Safety Assistance Systems
The newly revised Euro NCAP test criteria includes an assessment of a vehicle’s active Safety Assistance Systems (those designed to help prevent accidents) and here, too, the Qoros 3 Sedan recorded an excellent result.  The saloon is equipped as standard with ABS (Antilock Braking System), ESP (Dynamic Stability Control / Electronic Stability Program), EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), Braking Control System , seat belt reminders for all occupants and a driver-set speed limiting device to help motorists observe speed limits.

A detailed review of the Euro NCAP test results:

Adult Occupant: 95%
Child Occupant: 87%
Pedestrian: 77%
Safety Assistance Systems: 81%
Overall result: 88% = Five stars

The four test criteria have different weighting when calculating the overall score. Adult Occupant protection has a 50 per cent weighting, Child Occupant and Pedestrian protection categories each have a 20 per cent weighting, and Safety Assistance Systems has a 10 per cent weighting.

The overall result is not published by Euro NCAP but is used at the end of each calendar year to determine the Best in Class award.

The Euro NCAP crash test procedure
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is an independent consortium with eleven members made up of government representatives, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations.  The transport ministries of Sweden, France, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Catalonia and Germany are involved, alongside the FIA, the German Automobile Club (ADAC), International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT) organisation, and the Thatcham Research Centre run by British motor insurers.

Euro NCAP are continually adapting its assessment protocols, challenging manufacturers to deliver even safer vehicles.  The 2013 assessment is the most challenging so far, with the Pedestrian protection procedure being even more comprehensive than 2012 along with tougher scoring criteria in the Safety Assistance Systems assessments.

Qoros’ international team of safety experts
As part of its objective to produce vehicles that either meet or exceed the stringent European requirements for quality and safety, Qoros recruited leading automobile experts from all over the world dedicated at ensuring a high level of safety for all Qoros vehicles, their efforts are directed towards developing features that are intended to prevent accidents (active safety systems) as well as minimise the consequences of accidents (passive safety systems).

The design of the Qoros 3 Sedan’s architecture has taken account of the very latest developments in accident safety and occupant protection.  Advanced computer simulations played a major role in the development process, reducing the number of crash tests needed but also allowing the engineers to explore the robustness of the Qoros 3 Sedan in many different scenarios.

Outstanding five-star safety rating for recently unveiled SEAT Leon ST

• Outstanding five-star safety rating for recently unveiled SEAT Leon ST
• Score includes 94% rating for adult occupant protection and 92% for child occupant
• Euro NCAP Advanced commends SEAT for Leon ST’s multi-collision brake and lane-keeping assistant technology
• All-new estate car open for ordering from 1 October, starting from just £16,675

The SEAT Leon ST has been awarded a five-star safety rating by car safety assessment body Euro NCAP. The outstanding score puts the Leon ST among the very safest cars on the road.

The spacious, versatile and beautiful estate car, which goes on sale in the UK in October for January 2014 first deliveries, joins the Leon five-door hatchback as a five-star car.

The rating is the result of exceptional scores in all areas of the industry-standard Euro NCAP test, but particularly the adult occupant safety and child occupant safety sections, for which the Leon ST scored 94% and 92% respectively.

Features such as front passenger airbag deactivation, to facilitate installation of a rear-facing child seat, helped achieve the child occupant score, while extensive use of high strength and ultra-high strength steels in key areas of the chassis ensure that the Leon ST remains as stable as possible during a collision.

Alongside the five-star safety rating, the Leon ST has received two Euro NCAP Advanced awards, for its lane-keeping assistant and multi-collision brake systems; Euro NCAP Advanced was established in 2010 by Euro NCAP to reward ground-breaking emerging safety innovations.

“SEAT is committed to the highest levels of active and passive safety in all its models,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. “The thorough development work developed at our Technical Centre is now rewarded with the excellent classification achieved by both variants of the new Leon in the demanding Euro NCAP tests.

“We are also pleased with the two Euro NCAP Advanced rewards for the SEAT multi-collision brake system and the SEAT lane-keeping assistant in the new Leon. It is the new Leon family at the very top of the latest technology,” he adds.

Dr. Rabe accepted the two Euro NCAP Advanced certificates at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the Leon ST made its world debut.

SEAT lane-keeping assistant (known as Lane Assist in the UK and available as part of the Leon’s optional Driver Assist Pack) uses a camera mounted behind the rear view mirror, which detects lane markings and helps the driver stay in lane. Working at speeds above 40 mph and linked to the power steering system, it applies a small amount of torque to the steering wheel intended to prompt the driver into taking corrective action should he or she begin to drift out of lane.

The multi-collision braking system (called Automatic Post-Collision Braking System in the UK, and standard fit) detects when the car has been involved in an accident – for example when the airbag has been fired – and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a subsequent impact. It triggers both the hazard warning lights and the brake lights.

With a starting price of just £16,675 for a 1.2 TSI 105 PS model in S specification, the Leon ST represents amazing value. Every version comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, steering wheel-mounted controls, a colour touch-screen infotainment interface, front electric windows, roof rails and a double boot floor.

Thanks to a 587-litre boot that stretches to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded flat, the Leon ST is one of the biggest estates in its class, while its £825 premium over an equivalent Leon five-door model is significantly lower than that of the majority of its direct competitors.