EIGHT of this year’s newest cars have achieved the highest possible five-star rating in the latest round of safety tests by independent testing experts Euro NCAP.
A dozen cars were put to the test to determine how well they protect occupants including children, pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident and for the level and effectiveness of fitted safety assistance systems including crash avoidance technologies.
And the Tesla Model X, Porsche Taycan, Audi Q7, Renault Captur, Subaru Forester, Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo and Ford Kuga all achieved the coveted five-star rating.
The Peugeot 2008 also achieved a five-star rating when fitted with an optional safety pack and four stars with standard safety equipment. The Volkswagen Sharan and its SEAT sibling, the Alhambra, also achieved four star ratings.
Euro NCAP’s testers singled out the Tesla as the “stand-out performer” in achieving 94 per cent for its safety assistance technology and an impressive 98 per cent for adult occupant protection, making it a strong contender for the best-in-class title this year.
But there were harsh words for the facelifted Jeep Renegade, which could only manage a three star rating - the only car tested so far this year to achieve a Euro NCAP rating of less than four stars.
Says Euro NCAP’s secretary general Michiel van Ratingen: “Well done to Tesla and the other five-star performers for not only bringing best-in-class performance in testing but also making safety systems accessible and standard across the European market.
“It is also good to see manufacturers – Ford and Volkswagen in this case –standardising AEB (automatic emergency braking) and keeping safety up-to-date even for older cars, to the benefit of their customers.
“It’s a pity that not everyone follows this example. And by prioritising looks over substance, Jeep ended up at the bottom of the list of this year’s rated cars. The good news is that consumers have more choice than ever to find a safer alternative.”
