Euro NCAP has revealed the latest safety ratings for a number of important new cars.
All seven cars tested in the safety body’s latest batch of testing all received five-star ratings, ranging from superminis to electric SUVs and two-seat roadsters.
One of the headline announcements is the new SsangYong Korando’s five-star rating, with the model receiving high praise for its autonomous emergency braking system, which is fitted as standard. Lane-keep assist and a driver attention alert are also fitted to all versions.
Elsewhere, Skoda’s new Kamiq was awarded the top rating – sharing the same score as the mechanically-similar Volkswagen T-Cross and Seat Arona.
Mercedes-Benz had two models tested by Euro NCAP – its new all-electric EQC SUV and CLA four-door coupe, with this latter model being highly applauded as it scored more than 90 per cent in three out of the four categories.
BMW’s new Z4 roadster has also been rated highly, with the safety for vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians, for example) receiving lots of praise. Audi’s smallest model – the A1 supermini – was also granted a five-star rating.
Finally, the best-selling Ford Focus has been re-tested by Euro NCAP to receive enhancements to its existing five-star safety rating. Essentially, Ford has made changes to the shapes of the seats and head restraints to improve whiplash protection, which was an area of weakness previously highlighted.
Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said: “It’s great to see this continued commitment to improved safety. From these results, achieving five stars may look so easy, but to meet test and fitment requirements for technology are very demanding.
“Next year will see another step-change in our rating requirements but our experience shows that manufacturers will be keen to maintain the high standards they have achieved so far, and that European consumers will continue to be well served.”
