Further information on ranking factors
Power (engine capacity) The relationship between the size of the engine and its power vary remarkably in the guide. Diesel engines generally produce less power for each unit of capacity (cm3) but even among the petrol engines there is a wide range of power for the same capacity.
Carbon dioxide emissions Although CO2 is not a health-damaging gas, it is the main cause of climate change and arguably the single biggest pollution threat that humankind faces today.
Fuel consumption (urban cold cycle) There are two test cycles listed in the guide. Urban cold cycle is based on a car from a cold start i.e. the measurement commences as soon as the engine starts.
Noise In towns and rural areas alike there is an almost constant background of traffic noise. The noise category measures the noise cars make as they pass by at 50km/h. It is useful to remember that the unit of noise is logarithmic, each point increase representing a 100% increase in sound.
Safety Euro NCAP measurements based on child and adult pedestrian safety where impacts occur at 40kph (25 mph).
Pedestrian rating (old) = Test and rating procedure applied up to 31 December 2001
Pedestrian rating = More stringent test and rating procedure adopted for cars tested from 1 January 2002.
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