Euro NCAP unwraps latest safety ratings for 12 new cars
Euro NCAP has released its final safety ratings of 2024, with results for a dozen new cars such as the Renault 5 and its ‘hotter’ version, the Alpine A290. The new Hyundai Santa FE, Audi A5 and Mazda CX-80 have been tested, with results for the new electric Porsche Macan and the Maxus eTerron 9 electric pick-up also included.
The Maxus eTerron 9 is the very first electric pick-up on the European market. Of crucial importance for a vehicle of this mass is how it performs in relation to other road users. Euro NCAP’s ‘compatibility’ assessment revealed that the eTerron 9 was far less aggressive than might be expected for its size and weight. The vehicle also performed well in pedestrian protection testing, and overall received five stars.
Renault has successfully evoked the memory of the R5 supermini, produced back in the 1970s to 1990s when, for most families, safety was not such a priority. The new electric version of the Renault 5 is built on the unique product design of the original, compassionately updated, with the ‘pocket rocket’ of the brand, known as the Alpine A290. Let down slightly by the cars’ performance in adult occupant crash tests, both vehicles score a four-star rating.
Elsewhere, small SUVS such as the Lexus LBX, the Volvo EX30, and the MINI Countryman all achieved five stars, whilst the MG ZS Hybrid scored a four-star rating. Small SUVs that are roomier in scale were also tested by Euro NCAP this month and include the new electric Porsche Macan and the Subaru Forester, both of which achieved five stars.
Next on Euro NCAP’s list is the Hyundai Santa FE, which received a dual rating. As standard, the vehicle achieves four stars, but a customer can choose from optional safety technologies in the SmartSense safety pack, in which case the vehicle is awarded a five-star rating.
Finally, the three-row Mazda CX-80 and the new Audi A5 both scored Euro NCAP’s top rating of five stars.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP said: “As we close 2024 with this final set of safety ratings, these results highlight considerable progress across all vehicle classes, even as industry faces significant challenges.
“Despite these pressures, many manufacturers remain steadfast in their commitment to improving road safety, integrating advanced technologies, and prioritising the protection of all road users.
“Euro NCAP continues to support and guide these efforts, and we look forward to seeing how the industry tackles the challenges of 2025, driving innovation and raising safety standards worldwide.”