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Euro NCAP publishes its latest results today: the Tesla Model Y SUV achieves the best overall score according to the new protocol. Chinese manufacturers are ranked at the level of European standards.
The renowned security organization Euro NCAP today publishes its latest report of security ratings based on a new, more restrictive protocol. The American electric SUV Tesla Model Y rises to the top of the 5-star cars, ahead of the Lexus NX and Subaru Outback. Euro NCAP also tested two vehicles from Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor — the ORA Funky Cat and the WEY Coffee 01 — which both received 5 stars. The new Kia Niro scores 4 stars with standard equipment, but 5 when equipped with the optional safety package.
The Model Y, built at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin, scores 97% for adult occupant protection (one point better than the Mercedes EQS) and 98% for driver aids, with faultless lane keeping assistance and the new driver monitoring system based on a camera in the cabin. In track tests, the Tesla Vision system, which comes standard on all Tesla vehicles purchased in North America and Europe, and is based solely on a camera and an AI network, achieves remarkable results in preventing collisions with other cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Tesla does not fail to recall that “this result was achieved when many thought it was impossible without the use of radar“.
Chinese manufacturers have already tried to attack the European market and have in the past had mixed fortunes during security tests. Following in the footsteps of NIO, Lynk & Co and MG, Great Wall Motor is demonstrating its ability to produce cars that rival the best Europe has to offer in terms of safety, ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 1 electric cars both getting 5 stars.
Euro NCAP General Secretary Michiel van Ratingen says: “We have seen good results from some Chinese manufacturers in the past, but also very bad ones. This year, Euro NCAP will test more Chinese cars than ever before, and Great Wall truly sets a benchmark for others to follow. I also want to congratulate Tesla on the record rating they achieved for the Model Y. Tesla has shown that only the best is good enough for them and we hope to see them continue to aspire to that goal in the future.“.
Korean manufacturers also performed well in this series of tests. The Genesis GV60 electric SUV earns 5 stars, although the protection of road users outside the vehicle can be improved. As for the new Kia Niro, it gets 4 stars with its standard safety equipment and 5 if buyers equip it with the optional Drive Wise package.
The third-generation Hyundai i20 shares the 4-star rating of the Bayon 2021, with which it is closely linked. The new electric variants of the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Opel Combo e-Life and Peugeot e-Rifter models obtain the same scores as their thermal version (4 stars).