Nissan’s latest version of the all-electric Leaf hatchback has scored five stars in the first Euro NCAP test under the safety company’s 2018 regulations.
With the tests now including more situations that involve pedestrian and cyclists, the Leaf was able to score well in all sectors of Euro NCAP’s and is helping to improve safety even further.
The Leaf scored 71 per cent on the vulnerable road users sector thanks to its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system – scoring either adequate or good in all but the ‘pedestrian crossing the road’ test.
The new regulations have been implemented to cover more real-world situations and Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research – who help Euro NCAP with its testing – highlighted the importance of autonomous braking to the future of motoring.
Avery said: “Unfortunately, accidents involving vulnerable road users are on the increase. This has been reflected by the additional onus the latest Euro NCAP regime places upon carmakers to fit AEB systems that can identify pedestrians and cyclists.
“The cyclist AEB assessment is one of Euro NCAP’s most demanding tests – it happens quickly, and systems must be more sensitive to the erratic movement signature of a human being riding a bicycle.
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“Without such AEB systems in place, carmakers will struggle to achieve a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating.”
The Leaf also scored excellent marks in adult and child occupancy – 93 per cent and 86 per cent respectively – and Avery praised Nissan for its efforts.
Avery added: “Nissan has done a great job considering the additional challenges pure electric propulsion presents. Chief amongst those is the additional weight an electric battery brings, which must also be protected in the event of a crash.
“In none of the tests did we see any compromise of the battery. In fact, the Nissan LEAF achieved maximum points in the side pole crash test, showing good containment of the battery.”
