Published by: 4 Date Published:  5/1/2013 Article Ref: AA00021 NCAP advises drivers to opt for safety and avoid three-star Dacia Lodgy AS CHRISTMAS and the New Year fast approach, families are looking for a fresh start, with many seeking new cars to safely transport their loved ones.And while many new vehicles have received praise for their safety, consumers are warned to steer clear of the new Dacia Lodgy, after the small MPV received 'below average marks in all areas of safety', according to Euro NCAP's latest crash tests. The Dacia Lodgy undergoes a head-on crash test, which declared it unsafe for familiesDr Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, said: "It is disappointing to see the Lodgy do badly in our tests, especially coming just a week after the Sandero, branded a Renault in South America, was given a poor one star rating by Latin NCAP." The seat and head restraint are also said to provide poor protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. He added: "The Lodgy is a budget vehicle and customers will accept compromises in comfort and performance, but not safety. Euro NCAP believes that occupants' safety should be paramount, regardless of how much they pay for their vehicle. "In pedestrian protection, the Lodgy's score of 44 per cent compares unfavourably with other cars recently tested, all of which scored more than 60 per cent. The child protection score of 77 percent is unexceptional and does not live up to the self-acclaimed "family vehicle" reputation. Finally, Dacia has decided not to make electronic stability control as standard equipment, exploiting the last possible opportunity before the technology became mandatory." Garry Chiles, Principal Product Engineer for TRW Braking Systems, designed the brakes for the five-star rated Range Rover Evoque. He explained to Motortrades Insight: "Electronic Stability Control (ESC) could reduce skidding accidents by up to 80 per cent. The EU estimated that ESC could avoid 4,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries a year. And it could save a lot more lives in the US as well so it is a safety critical technology. "It's amazing. You could be driving at 80mph in a fast lane on a motorway and then suddenly swerve to avoid an object and the car simply doesn't spin around. It keeps the car stable and the driver's able to steer around an obstacle safely and this I think is the best safety improvement in braking in recent years." The likes of Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Loeb backed the ChooseESC! campaign. Families this Christmas may find their wintry weather solace much left to be desired, with the wintry breeze of budget car safety extending into the New Year. So families looking for a new MPV may find themselves in a tricky situation when their New Year's Resolution fails to hit the road next summer. Related Tags: Car Safety, Whiplash, Dacia, Euro NCAP, Renault, MPV, Christmas, Crash Test, Budget, ESC Company Info // Get in touch © Motortrades Insight Limited . 2014. Trading as Motortradesinsight.co.uk Company Reg: 07302221 | VAT No: 120173663 Phone: 0844 656 1808 Email: accounts@motortradesinsight.co.uk Address Registered Address The Coach House Baddow Park West Hanningfield Road Great Baddow Essex CM2 7SY. Links // On the web Subscribe to Mailing Lis Advertise on Motortrades Insight Motorsport News Motoring Industry News Used Car Buyers Guide Link To Us Ratecard Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Disclaimer Website Designed by