Euro NCAP’s December safety ratings for 2024 highlight a diverse array of vehicles, from cutting-edge electric models to versatile SUVs and even a groundbreaking electric pick-up truck. With fifteen cars tested, the lineup underscores the organization’s commitment to evaluating safety across all market segments. Standout entries include the highly anticipated Renault 5 and its performance-oriented Alpine A290 variant, as well as Porsche’s luxurious electric Macan and innovative newcomers like Deepal and Leapmotor. This season’s testing showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, aiming to ensure top-tier safety in evolving automotive categories.
The eTERRON 9 electric pick-up from Maxus marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind tested in Europe. Historically, pick-ups have struggled with safety concerns due to their bulk and structural design. However, the eTERRON 9 defies these stereotypes with impressive compatibility scores and pedestrian safety performance, earning a commendable five-star rating. Meanwhile, Renault has reimagined the nostalgic R5 supermini in electric form, pairing it with the Alpine A290 for a sporty edge. While both cars display thoughtful design and innovation, they fall short in adult occupant crash tests, securing four-star ratings.
City-friendly SUVs and compact vehicles also received their evaluations, with models like the Lexus LBX, MINI Countryman, and Volvo EX30 achieving top five-star scores. Budget-conscious buyers may consider the MG ZS Hybrid, though its safety performance earned it a slightly lower four-star rating. In the compact SUV category, the electric Porsche Macan, Subaru Forester, and Chinese newcomers Deepal S07 and Leapmotor C10 all demonstrated exceptional safety, each securing five stars. The Macan, praised for its premium experience, and the Forester, known for its reliability, represent the best of their respective segments.
Larger family SUVs, such as the Hyundai SANTA FE and Mazda CX-80, cater to spacious and adventurous lifestyles. Hyundai’s SANTA FE, with its optional SmartSense safety pack, achieves a five-star rating but starts at four stars without the upgrade. Mazda’s CX-80, on the other hand, delivers consistent five-star safety as the brand’s flagship three-row SUV. Audi’s latest A5, replacing the A4, rounds out the list with its maximum safety rating, reaffirming the German automaker’s dedication to excellence. Through these evaluations, Euro NCAP continues to emphasize safety as a fundamental criterion across diverse automotive innovations.
