Honda Accord's Safety Is All In The Acronyms

The brand spanking new Honda Accord scored extremely highly in the new EuroNCAP tests, it was announced yesterday.

Over the recent years safety techology has become extremely advanced in the field of collision safety. Manufacturers were beginning to crack the code to score highly in the EuroNCAPs.

This meant that, yes, our cars were becoming safer in a collision but other aspects of road safety were being missed. In a bid to push the bar that bit higher for car makers EuroNCAP introduced tougher measures on pedestrian safety.

Despite saving passengers in collisions statistics showed that in pedestrian collisions a worryingly high amount were fatal so they brought in new measures.

It is in these tests in particular that the Honda Accord has performed so well. The Accord was awarded the first-ever three star pedestrian rating in the large family class, along with 5 star adult protection and 4 star child protection.

"We are delighted with the EuroNCAP result, which confirms the new Accord as the leader for combined adult, child and pedestrian safety in the large family car class. With this rating, and the advanced active safety features of the Accord, our customers can experience the most effective technologies put into practice, with our goal of providing safety for everyone,” said Ken Keir, Managing Director, Honda (UK).

The reason for all this incredible safety can only be down to one thing. The staggering number of acronyms they have managed to fit into this car. The new Honda Accord features; ACE, VSA, Motion Adaptive EPS, DSFA, ABS, CMBS, ADAS, LKAS and ACC.

There are probably more but I for one don't care enough to look. For those of you itching for the meanings here's the list:

• ACE - Advanced Compatibility Engineering
• VSA - Vehicle Stability Assist
• EPS - Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering
• DSFA - Dual Stage Front Airbags
• ABS - Anti-lock Braking System
• CMBS - Collision Mitigating Braking System
• ADAS - Advanced Driver Assist System
• LKAS - Lane Keeping Assist System
• ACC - Active Cruise Control

There are so many assists in there that I doubt you'll even need to bother driving in a few years. Just wait for Honda's Complete Assist (CA) program. You barely need to make an effort with this one.

If you're on the motorway and stray from your lane the LKAS will kick in and set you straight. But why bother thinking at all because the ACC will keep you at a comfortable speed a safe distance from the car in-front. In fact you could probably drive with your eyes closed.

Turn into a corner and the VSA will guide you round. If the computer feels you're incapable then the Motion Adaptive EPS will turn the wheel for you.

I know it is safe; and I'm sure they've tested all this; and I'm sure I'll rue this when I'm wrapped round a tree - but it all seems a little, and I'll use an acronym, SHIT.

Ignoring my cynicism this car is indeed very safe and the scientists at EuroNCAP have proven this without doubt. A great man once said something fitting that can be applied to this car:

"Safe, innit!"

Ed Dooley

27/11/2008