Independent safety board Euro NCAP has revealed the results of its final tests for 2019, with numerous new cars being awarded the top five-star rating.
Important names from Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen are included in the list, along with MG, Audi, Skoda and Seat, with largely pleasing results across the board, though with a few exceptions. Here’s the latest models tested by Euro NCAP…
Volkswagen Golf
The latest Volkswagen Golf – arriving in showrooms in March 2020 – is one of the crucial new models to secure the top rating. Euro NCAP praised the new hatchback’s standard safety assists and general performance in crash tests. It was also applauded for being the first Volkswagen to be fitted with Car2X technology, which is essentially where it can communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure. Euro NCAP says this will soon be part of its testing.
Ford Puma
The new Fiesta-based Puma could become one of Ford’s best-selling models when it launches at the start of 2020, and while we’re yet to try it, things are already looking promising from this model’s safety rating.
It gets the full five-star rating, with Euro NCAP calling it ‘one of the safest choices in the lower price bracket’.
Nissan Juke
Nissan’s recently launched Juke is set to be a crucial new model for the firm, with the Sunderland-built crossover already being appealing thanks to its larger and more upmarket interior and distinctive styling. It also continues to offer plenty of standard safety kit – earning the model a five-star rating.
MG ZS EV
It’s fantastic to see MG’s first electric car – the new ZS EV – scoring the top five-star safety rating, with the new crossover coming with a whole host of safety kit and a reinforced structure earning it top marks here. Interestingly, it scores two stars higher than the regular petrol-powered ZS.
MG HS
There is plenty of positives happening at MG right now, and it’s fantastic to see its new mid-size HS crossover also scoring five stars in the rigorous safety tests. As the manufacturer seeks to become more popular, the HS is set to be a very important model, and this safety rating should broaden its appeal further.
Audi Q8
Audi’s Q8 might have been on sale for more than a year, but that hasn’t stopped the manufacturer entering its largest SUV for Euro NCAP’s safety testing.
Unsurprisingly considering the vast number of safety aids fitted to the model, it also scores the top rating – just like its sister product the Audi Q7 scored a fortnight ago.
Seat Mii/Skoda Citigo/Volkswagen Up!
These three Volkswagen Group city cars all were awarded the top five-star rating when they were originally tested by Euro NCAP in 2011. But eight years later, and safety technology and Euro NCAP’s own testing have moved on dramatically. Sadly, it appears these three cars haven’t advanced in the same way, meaning they drop two stars to three overall.
Aiways A5
Here’s a model you’ve probably never heard of – the Aiways A5. The Chinese manufacturer is another firm looking to make the significant break into Europe with its U5 electric SUV. As part of this, it’s been tested by Euro NCAP, though scored a slightly disappointing three stars. Despite this, the firm has said it already working on the model’s areas of weakness and is looking to re-submit the car ahead of its launch in Europe later in 2020. It’s thought it could come to the UK in 2021.
