Mixed bag in latest Euro NCAP results

Euro NCAP has revealed the results of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, the Maxus MIFA 7 and the Ford Tourneo Custom. Also following further evaluation, the Renault Scenic E-Tech was awarded a five-star rating in line with 2022 test protocols and like its partner vehicle the Renault Megane E-Tech.

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan now offers a wider choice of powertrains, but all versions come with the latest safety technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance and a system that monitors driver fatigue. It achieves a five-star rating.

The MIFA 7, a new MPV from Maxus, a division of SAIC Motor, with its modern design and seven seats, offers a pricy, electric vehicle targeting reviving market segments. The car offers a premium look and feel to its customers and its high density ‘One Pack’ 90 kWh promises a drive of 479km on a single battery charge. Available in Ireland this summer, the car achieves high scores during crash tests in the lab and comfortably achieves an overall rating of five-stars.

For those consumers with large families or those wishing to accommodate more passengers, a less pricy alternative is the Ford Tourneo Custom. This is the passenger car version of the Ford Transit Custom van. The same vehicle, but where the van has a large loading area designed to make it practical and useful as a commercial vehicle, the Tourneo Custom as a passenger car can fit up to nine seats.

Ford has a reputation for producing very drivable vehicles and in addition this car has a flexible seating arrangement and a modern interior. However, it scores an overall safety rating of three-stars with standard equipment, with the possibility of four-stars when upgrading to an optional safety pack.

“We believe that Ford will feel disappointed by this result, particularly given their recent efforts and commitment in improving the safety of its commercial van line-up – the Ford Transit Custom achieved our highest van rating of Platinum. The Tourneo Custom is highly equipped with active safety technologies, yet it is slightly let down by this performance,” noted Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP.