Car manufacturers have Euro NCAP’s Vision 2030 safety parameters in mind

Euro NCAP releases the results for its largest group of cars this year and all, but one of the sixteen cars tested achieved Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating. Testing a wide range of vehicles in a wide range of classes, the results show the determination of manufacturers to do well in Euro NCAP’s protocols for this year. In 2023, the protocols take a turn for the tougher encouraging manufacturers to consider other road users in line with Euro NCAP’s Vision 2030.

The cars tested this November include the two full electric, Tesla Model S and the new-to-market NIO ET7, that also achieved top marks in the Green NCAP rating last week. The top scores achieved in Euro NCAP tests, with the notable maximum ratings in Safety Assist can only enhance the profile and reputation of both these cars. Also released are the five-star results for the long-awaited electric Toyota bZ4X and its official twin Subaru Solterra. The DS 9, a large family car achieved four stars, due in part to a penalty in the frontal offset test for being an aggressive impact partner towards other vehicles.

The other cars achieving 5-star results were another family car, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, scoring a commendable 97% in Adult Protection; the smaller Honda Civic; the small off-roaders the Toyota Corolla Cross as well as the Nissan Ariya and its bigger brother the Nissan X Trail (2021 rating derived from its partner Nissan Qashqai last year). The large MPV Renault Austral, the Land Rover Range Rover and its sportier sister the Range Rover Sport also scored five-star ratings. Other than the NIO ET7, two further Chinese cars achieved maximum scores in this month’s test – the new small-off roader smart #1, now jointly owned by the automotive company Geely, and another small-off-roader, the appealingly-named WEY Coffee 02.

“Manufacturers are keen to achieve good scores in this year’s tests as next year protocols become more stringent and provide increased challenges for vehicle development. In 2023, in line with its Vision 2030, Euro NCAP will be focusing on a range of new aspects. For example, we are putting in place autonomous emergency braking (AEB) protocols for motorcycles as well as new scenarios in passive safety for pedestrians and cyclists, extending the area where these two vulnerable users might interact with a vehicle. This is necessary progress in safety for other road users, and we are collaborating closely with industry to ensure we meet Vision Zero objectives and that the demands of the protocols are met,” says Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General.