Chinese cars have become safer than French ones
Euro NCAP again tested 14 new models, among which Chinese cars impressed with perfect indicators, but French ones did not reach the ideal.
Euro NCAP has published the results of the latest round of tests in 2022, which includes 14 new models. Only four fell short of the maximum five-star rating.
Today’s line-up includes three Chinese cars, superminis, family cars, SUVs, MPVs, pickups and four premium cars, including the newly introduced luxury Lucid Air from the US.
Lucid, one of the many new brands tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, introduces its ‘Air’ model in Europe and impresses with a five-star rating. Positioned in the premium segment and fully equipped with the latest safety technology, the Lucid Air competes against the likes of the Tesla Model S and other high-end vehicles like the Lexus RX and Land Rover Discovery.
But many Chinese brands have come to Europe. Chery has started sales in the EU with the OMODA5 crossover, while SAIC’s Maxus is introducing the MIFA 9 minivan, both delivering five-star results. MG, another SAIC brand, continues its successful streak with the top safety rating for its MG 4, a small electric family car.
In 2022, the electrification trend has also accelerated. Even in the commercial segment. For example, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a fully electric version of a large MPV. And the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok twins combine traditional power units with modern safety technologies.
“2022 was one of the busiest years in Euro NCAP’s history and we saw many new car manufacturers and new technologies. It is clear that European consumers still demand the highest level of safety, and a good Euro NCAP rating is seen by car manufacturers as a crucial success factor. Twenty-five years on from its launch, Euro NCAP continues to raise safety standards and our 2023 protocols will bring new and complex challenges to the automotive industry,’ says Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP. Family cars were also part of this month’s issue, with the Škoda Octavia receiving five stars for its performance in Euro NCAP tests.
The supermini Ford Puma and Volkswagen Touran, updated cars, did not receive five stars due to problems with the protection of adult passengers. The family Peugeot 408, based on the 308 model, also received only four stars. Citroen C4 and C4 X also did not reach the highest rating.
