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One of the usual crash tests by Euro NCAP F. P.
Chinese and Electric Cars Among the Safest of the Year According to Euro NCAP

Chinese and Electric Cars Among the Safest of the Year According to Euro NCAP

Patxi Fernández

Jueves, 26 de diciembre 2024, 09:05

Uncertainty and crisis in the automotive sector have been present throughout the year that is now ending. In addition to the global economic situation, marked by armed conflicts and the occasional shortage of components and materials necessary for vehicle manufacturing, technological advancements have led us to discuss the electrification process, the increasing technological load with driver assistance systems (ADAS), and above all, the arrival in Europe of vehicles from China.

All these factors have been considered by Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, which is known for evaluating the safety of new cars. This well-known and respected independent, non-profit organisation is dedicated to assessing the safety of new vehicles.

In 2024, significant innovations have been introduced in their already famous "crash test" protocols, aiming to enhance vehicle safety and protect all road users.

New tests have been added to evaluate the effectiveness of ADAS systems, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in more complex scenarios, driver fatigue monitoring, and lane-keeping systems.

As a second innovation, evaluation protocols have been adapted to consider the specific characteristics of electric vehicles, such as battery safety and protection in the event of a side impact. Pedestrian and cyclist protection tests have also been expanded, including new scenarios to assess the effectiveness of safety systems in case of collision.

Chinese Arrival

The quality and safety of Chinese vehicles were among the uncertainties surrounding the arrival of numerous brands from that country in Europe. Therefore, Euro NCAP has conducted numerous tests on brands that were previously unknown to the general public. Brands like MG and Geely began submitting their models to Euro NCAP tests around 2011. Since then, there has been a significant increase in the participation of Chinese manufacturers in these evaluations.

Achieving a good score in Euro NCAP tests is essential for Chinese manufacturers to market their vehicles in Europe, as European consumers highly value safety and pay attention to the ratings of this independent body.

By undergoing the same tests as European manufacturers, Chinese vehicles can be directly compared with their competitors in terms of safety.

According to Euro NCAP results, it can be seen how Chinese manufacturers have heavily invested in the development of safety technologies, significantly improving the safety of their vehicles.

Thus, the electromobility giant BYD has stood out with models like the Seal, Atto 3, and Tang, all achieving 5-star ratings, demonstrating that electrification and safety go hand in hand.

Additionally, the premium Chinese brand NIO has surprised the European market with its high-end electric vehicles. Models like the ET7 and EL7 have achieved top safety scores.

Another Chinese brand that has excelled in Euro NCAP is Xpeng, with models like the P7 and G9 obtaining 5-star ratings. Chery, through its Omoda and Jaecoo brands, has shown that Chinese vehicles can compete in safety with the best in the world.

Europeans Leading

Nonetheless, Europe continues to achieve the best records in the 2024 Euro NCAP results. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands out in particular. The German firm, with its combination of technology and design, has achieved excellent results in Euro NCAP tests.

Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, two models sharing a platform, have also demonstrated a high level of safety, excelling in adult and child occupant protection.

As an electric vehicle, the Audi Q6 e-tron has shown that electrification is not at odds with safety, achieving a very high score in all categories.

When analysing the latest tests conducted this year by segments to find the safest in each, some surprises arise. For example, in small and urban vehicles, two almost unknown Chinese brands in Spain, with 100% electric mechanics, lead the way: Ser X and Deepal S07.

In the medium and compact vehicle segment, this year's winner is the Porsche Macan, but once again, a Chinese model takes second place, the NIO EL6, with a very respectable third position for the Spanish brand Cupra, which places its Tavascan.

Among the larger and family segment models, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class records the best results, followed again by the Chinese brand Zeekr with its model 01, and a third and fourth position for Škoda and Volkswagen.

Although these are some of the models that have stood out in 2024, it is important to consult the official Euro NCAP website for the most up-to-date and detailed information on the ratings of each vehicle.

Maxus eTERRON

Renault has successfully evoked the memory of the R5, produced in the 70s to 90s, when safety was not a priority for most families. The new electric version of the Renault 5 is based on the unique design of the original product, compassionately updated, with the brand's "pocket rocket," known as Alpine A290. Despite the slightly lower performance of the cars in adult occupant crash tests, both vehicles receive a four-star rating.

Several newly arrived models on the market have also been tested to meet their needs, including the Lexus Breakthrough Crossover or LBX; the more affordable MG ZS Hybrid; the minimalist Volvo EX30; and the now practical and stylish MINI Countryman. The Lexus LBX, Volvo EX30, and MINI Countryman receive five stars, while the MG ZS Hybrid receives a lower rating of four stars.

This month, Euro NCAP also tested larger small SUVs, including the Subaru Forester, as well as two Chinese electric vehicles entering the European market: the Deepal S07 and the Leapmotor C10.

The Subaru Forester, in its sixth generation, has a loyal following in customer satisfaction surveys due to its reliability and safety. When Euro NCAP last tested the vehicle in 2019, the Forester achieved five stars; in 2024, Subaru demonstrates that it has continued to aim high in its safety aspirations, as the car achieves five stars.

Five stars for the Subaru Forester F.P.

The Deepal S07 is a car from the Chinese company Changan Auto (which recently joined forces with Huawei) and is widely distributed in Asia. Although new to the European market, the car is a worthy competitor in terms of safety and achieves five stars.

The Chinese brand Deepal debuts with good marks F.P.

The Chinese company Leapmotor was founded in 2015, but it is already the third-largest manufacturer of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China and is targeting the European market, recently collaborating with Stellantis. The C10 is available in a single specification so far, but clearly, safety is a priority, as the car achieves a five-star rating.

Leapmotor arrives with Stellantis with five stars F.P.

The next on Euro NCAP's list are the larger SUVs for families who want more space, three-row seating, and an out-of-town lifestyle.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has been around for nearly 25 years, but with a sleek makeover, it is now heading towards awards territory and a more luxurious feel to compete with models like the Land Rover Discovery or the Volvo XC90. Euro NCAP gives it a dual rating. As standard, the vehicle receives four stars, but a customer can choose optional safety technologies in the SmartSense safety package, in which case the vehicle receives a five-star rating.

Finally, the Mazda CX-80, the flagship three-row SUV and premium car of this Japanese brand, receives Euro NCAP's highest rating of five stars.

Good marks for Mazda's SUV F.P.

Finally, the Audi A5, which replaces the A4 sedan and Avant, has also been tested, using Audi's new nomenclature that differentiates between its electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars: all ICE models will have odd numbers, and the A4 will then be A5.

What remains unchanged is Audi's commitment to safety; the Audi A5 receives Euro NCAP's highest rating of five stars.

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