| Front and side impact rating |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Pedestrian test rating |
 |
|
|
|
Test Scores: Front 14(88%) Side 17(94%) Overall 31(91%) Pedestrian 12(33%)
|
|
|
|
A well
designed body and cabin protected occupants. The passenger
compartment remained intact in the tests and its occupants
were kept away from harm, although the driver’s chest
was subjected to high loads. The driver’s door could be
opened normally after the frontal impact and the footwell
kept its shape, protecting the driver’s feet. The head
airbag curtain provided cushioning but did not deploy
fully in the pole test. Testers felt this could increase
injury risks for some other types of accidents. |
Impact
Protection
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
| Driver
Front Impact |
Passenger
Front Impact |
Driver
Side Impact |
|
Frontal
Impact
|
|
|
| The
driver’s head and chest were well restrained by the belt
and the airbag. However, his chest was subjected to high
forces that are often a feature of ‘stiff’ cars.
Mercedes’ under-facia design was praised for the way it
moves potential hazards away from the driver’s legs. The
steering lock in particular is sited well outside the
danger zone for the knees. The footwell withstood the
impact well, The control pedals moved a small amount –
too little to endanger the driver’s feet and ankles. The
centre rear seat was fitted with a three-point belt as
standard. This is safer than a two-point belt. |
Side
Impact
|
|
|
| Mercedes
fits door-mounted airbags to protect the driver’s chest,
abdomen and pelvis. This worked satisfactorily but forced
his arm rapidly upwards. An airbag curtain deployed from
the roof to protect the heads of front and rear
passengers. The head airbag curtain worked well in the
side impact but did not deploy fully in the pole test.
Experts feared that in other situations it might not do
its job. |
Child
Restraint
|
|
|
| A
passenger airbag is standard, posing a risk to children in
rear facing restraints fitted on to the front
passenger’s seat. Only a poor pictogram and a label on
the passenger’s sun visor were present and neither
warned of this danger. Neither explained the risk of
serious injury or death. Mercedes said it would improve
the labelling. The restraints protected well in the
frontal impact but the webbing of the adult belt was
partially severed by the restraint’s guide. This aspect
needs attention. |
Pedestrian
Protection
|
|
|
| Protection
was average. Many points on the car’s front would injure
a pedestrian in an accident. |
Model
history and safety equipment
|
|
|
| The
new C-class was launched during October 2000. Standard
equipment includes dual-stage frontal airbags for driver
and front passenger, thoracic side airbags, head
protection airbag (curtain), belt pre-tensioners and load
limiters for front and rear outer seats, has three-point
centre belt. Brake Assist, ESP and ABS are also fitted. |
| Make,
model and hand of drive |
Mercedes-Benz
C180 LHD |
| Body
type |
4-door
saloon |
| Model
year |
2001 |
| Kerb
weight |
1455
kg |
| VIN
and date when rating applies |
Applies
to latest model |
| Cars
built on the same platform |
none |
|
