News

The first Euro NCAP crash tests on pickups have produced some shock results. While the Mitsubishi L200 scored a respectable four stars for adult occupant protection, the Nissan Navara and Isuzu Rodeo scored one and two-star strikethrough  results, indicating "an unacceptable high risk of fatal injury in a body region". And according to Euro NCAP, "all the vehicles received disappointing child and pedestrian protection scores".

Nissan has been quick to identify and rectify the Navara's problem, caused by the air bags deploying too slowly. The issue affects 2008-model Navaras produced between May and December 2007, when production incorporated the required software update to adjust air bag trigger sensitivity.

At the same time, a recall campaign to modify in-service vehicles was launched. To reassure customers this was extended to 2005-2007 vehicles although there is no suggestion they are affected. Euro NCAP has retested the Navara but won't be publishing the results for at least four weeks. A spokesman for Isuzu says: "We are, frankly, surprised at these findings as Isuzu's own internal tests awarded the Rodeo three stars. We need to study these results in more detail before further comment but can assure  our customers that we treat safety very seriously."