Why is my newer BMW 1 Series less safe than the old one?
There has been a lot of noise about the abysmal crash safety rating of the MG3 Hybrid and rightly so. However, in the Euro NCAP frontal collision tests the new BMW 1 Series achieved the same score - 8.9/16 points, but there hasn't been a sound about it.
According to Euro NCAP: “Dummy readings indicated weak protection of the driver's chest, based on dummy readings of compression... Protection of the driver's left leg was also weak, with marginal protection the front occupants' legs in general… In the full-width rigid barrier test, chest protection was rated as weak both for the driver and the rear passenger, in both cases a result of compression.”
The F40 launched in 2019 scored 14.3/16 points. I'm particularly annoyed about this because I traded in my F40 for the new F70 before it had been tested by Euro NCAP. I had assumed it would achieve the same if not a better score.
While the MG3 result is shambolic the 1 Series' isn't exactly stellar considering it costs at least €20k more than a MG3.
Peter Barrins (Baldoyle)Sep 2025 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
We may not be comparing apples with apples here, as the Euro NCAP testing and scoring system is constantly evolving, and there were significant changes to it in 2020. I'd urge you to search the Euro NCAP site for information on what those changes were, because it's highly unlikely that BMW made a less-strong/safe car than its predecessor.
A five-star Euro NCAP car of 2019 would be unlikely to get the same score today, for example, and not just because of changes relating to driver-assistance systems.
My NCT is overdue. What do I do?
I didn't realise my NCT was out since 2023; what are implications or what do I need to do to get up to date?
Aidan Carmody (Kerry )Apr 2025 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
So long as you get that rectified as soon as possible, there should be no further implications.
It is illegal to drive a car without a valid NCT certificate (unless you're actually on the way to the testing centre to a pre-booked appointment) so if you continue to drive the car you are liable to be stopped and fined.
In the case of an insurance claim, the insurance company may query the roadworthiness of your car if the NCT certificate is out of date as well.
Put simply, don't delay putting this right, and drive as little as possible until you do. Go to NCTS.ie now to book your appointment.
What to do about my Mazda RX-8 NCT?
Hi,
I have a Mazda RX-8, which was due a test at the start of April. I am wondering what the rules are as regards emission testing. As you probably know, they have a different type of engine and require two-stroke oil, which would leave emissions very high. Do I need to stop adding two-stroke oil before the test or are they not tested for emissions?
Thanks
Patrick
Patrick Sweeney (LETTERKENNY)Jun 2020 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
It’s a bit of a catch-22, adding two-stroke oil to your RX-8 rotary. In theory, it can help with delaying the onset of rotor tip wear, but the problem is that it will destroy your catalytic convertor and that means you definitely won’t pass the NCT. I wouldn’t recommend it. Much better merely to make sure that the engine is properly and regularly serviced, rather than trying any short cuts like two-stroke oil.
Is an old camper treated like a classic?
Hi,
I wanted to find out what limits are on camper insurance and tax if the vehicle is older than 30 years? What class of tax and insurance does it fall into and does it require NCT/VRT testing? Are there mileage restrictions on vintage insurance?
Any advice appreciated.
David Geraghty (Cork)Jan 2020 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi David,
A camper van that’s more than 30 years old qualifies for vintage tax, which is just €56 a year. You will have to NCT it, but only once every two years. Once it’s older than 40 years, it’ll be NCT exempt. As for insurance, that will very much depend upon your insurer, but usually a classic car policy will have a mileage limit included. Some are as little as 5,000km per year.
Will my Kangoo pass its NCT?
Will my 2005 Renault Kangoo 1.5 dCi pass the NCT with the glow plug warning light illuminated? It is not the engine management light as that has a separate light that is not illuminated, only the glow plug light is always illuminated while the car is running.
Thanks
Jacob Wilton (Sligo)Nov 2019 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Jacob,
There is nothing specifically mentioning the glow plugs or the warning light for them in the NCT testing manual, but it's worth getting them done in any case.
Are there NCT notifications?
Do car owners get notified by post when an NCT is due?
Mary Colbert (Kilmuckridge )Mar 2017 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
No, they don't notify you; you have to contact them to arrange a date once your car reaches testing age or when it's due for a new test.
Will a cracked windscreen fail the NCT?
I booked my car in for its NCT recently and now a crack has appeared in my windscreen. Does this mean it will fail the test if it is not replaced?
Patrick Mcnally (Mayo)Mar 2017 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
It depends where on the window the crack is and how big it is. Click here to view the official NCT testing manual - go to page 26 and it clearly shows how cracks in the windscreen are assessed.
Best of luck
Which seven-seater is is safest?
Which seven-seater is safest?
Sinead Sinclair Sinclair (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
Probably the Volvo XC90 - whatever about EuroNCAP scores, Volvo always makes its cars real-world safe, basing its design on data taken from actual, real accidents and not just lab testing.
If you mean something a bit more conventional and cheaper than an XC90, then according to EuroNCAP the best performing are the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra, both of which scored a maximum five stars, with the Sharan getting a 96 per cent mark for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for kids, 46 per cent pedestrian protection and 71 per cent safety assist. The Alhambra's marks were identical.
Relevant reviews:
Who has oversight over the NCT?
Who is over the NCT? I'm having problems getting anywhere with them...
Patricia Bird (Laois)May 2015 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Patricia,
Well, it depends what the problem is. If it's that you're having trouble booking a testing date, welcome to the club. Waiting times have gone up a lot lately, but if you can't get a slot within 28 days, you are actually entitled to a free test.
If the problem is one of a complaint or something like that, don't bother talking to the NCT people directly - the NCT is run by a Swiss-based company called Applus and you're unlikely to get very far, very fast talking to them. Instead go over their heads - the Road Safety Authority has oversight of the whole NCT process, so if you have a problem, contact them here http://rsa.ie/en/Utility/Contact-Us/Who-do-I-contact-about/
Have you tested the new Ford Mustang 2.3?
Will you be testing the Ford Mustang Ecoboost 2.3-litre automatic? If so, when? I am interested in the handling, performance of the engine, road tax, fuel economy and insurance costs.
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Mar 2015 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
We are driving the new European-spec Ford Mustang next month so keep an eye on our reviews page for the full lowdown.