The Ford Capri has undergone rigorous crash testing to evaluate its safety performance and ensure occupant protection. This analysis delves into the specifics of these tests, highlighting key findings and safety features of the Ford Capri.
In the frontal offset test, the passenger compartment of the Ford Capri demonstrated excellent structural integrity, remaining stable throughout the impact. Protection for both the driver and passenger was generally high, with all critical body areas being well protected, except for the driver’s lower leg, which received an adequate rating. Ford provided evidence confirming that occupants of varying sizes and seating positions would receive a comparable level of protection to their knees and femurs. Further analysis indicated that the Ford Capri would present a moderately benign impact profile to other vehicles in a frontal collision scenario.
During the full-width rigid barrier test, the Ford Capri again showed robust protection. While chest protection for the driver was deemed marginal based on dummy readings, all other critical body parts were either well or adequately protected.
Side impact assessments, including both the side barrier test and the more demanding side pole impact test, resulted in maximum scores for the Ford Capri. Protection for all critical body regions in these scenarios was rated as good. However, excursion control, which refers to how much a body is thrown to the opposite side during a far-side impact, was noted as marginal. To address this, the Ford Capri is equipped with a countermeasure to reduce occupant-to-occupant injuries in such events. This system performed effectively in Euro NCAP testing, providing good head protection for both driver and front passenger.
Whiplash protection in rear-end collisions was also thoroughly assessed. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries. Geometric analysis of the rear seats further supported the finding of good whiplash protection for rear occupants.
The Ford Capri incorporates advanced safety technology, including an eCall system that automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a crash. Additionally, a secondary impact prevention system is in place to mitigate the consequences of subsequent collisions after an initial impact. Ford has also demonstrated that the doors and windows of the Capri are designed to remain openable even if the vehicle becomes submerged, ensuring occupant escape in such emergencies.
