BMW’s electric i3 car, due in Ireland for 2014, has scored four out of a possible five stars in a Euro NCAP safety test.

The car is the first model from BMW’s i sub-brand electric range.

It is the first mass-market car made largely from carbon fibre.

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The Euro NCAP group noted that the i3 met test requirements by offering electronic stability control as standard equipment, but had no seat belt reminders in the rear of the car. They reported that the system designed to control the car’s speed was not expected to reach Euro NCAP’s minimum fitment rate to qualify for assessment.

The car received high ratings for adult occupant safety and for child occupant safety.