In the penultimate round of Euro NCAP testing for 2021, a new set of five cars faced the world’s most exacting crash tests evaluations.
The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first all-electric family SUV, achieved a five-star rating. The Mustang performed well in all areas of testing, providing a great example of the ongoing investment in safety made by carmakers.
The Mach-E is also one of the first few cars to have Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) not only in the front of the vehicle to protect against forward collisions, but also at the rear of the vehicle. ‘Reverse AEB’ can help to avoid and mitigate reversing accidents into both pedestrians and other vehicles, although this feature would need to be switched on manually by the driver before use.
Matthew Avery, chief strategic research officer, Thatcham Research comments: “It is positive to see a mainstream brand like Ford contributing to the EV safety narrative, proving that EVs are just as safe as ICE vehicles and a good choice of family car. In fact, a large proportion of the new vehicles tested this year have been dedicated EVs and the majority have achieved five-stars, which is to the credit of all EV carmakers.”
“This well-rated EV is a good, safe choice for families and represents a great start for Ford in paving the way for its future Mustang EV range.”
Five for the Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also featured in this latest round of testing and is another example of a high performing all-electric vehicle that represents the new face of motoring.
It is the first to use the brand’s new EV-dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform, upon which all Hyundai and Kia vehicles will be built.
Avery comments, “The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also sets a strong safety precedent for the brand.”
The Ioniq 5 secured a five-star rating, performing well in all areas of testing with strong Adult and Child Occupant Protection scores of 88% and 86% respectively, and includes important features like a centre airbag for occupant-to-occupant protection in lateral impacts. The Ioniq 5’s Safety Assist features also scored highly with good AEB and driver monitoring systems.
The Hyundai Bayon achieved four-stars in Euro NCAP testing. This model is based on a vehicle that is already available in other countries, with less stringent testing, however it is new for the European market.
Avery adds: “The Hyundai Bayon performed solidly in testing; however, it is disappointing to see the car dropping points in some areas. The lack of a lateral impact airbag specifically, as Hyundai were one of the first manufacturers to fit this important passive safety feature to its vehicles and it is present in both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tucson.”
The Hyundai Tucson, a mid-size SUV, also received five-stars in Euro NCAP assessment, providing good protection to all sizes of dummy.
Finally, the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid was another five-star scorer. Avery comments: “This vehicle is a good option for those that don’t want to commit to something fully electric, but still want a very safe vehicle from a known manufacturer.
“The Yaris is also aimed at the more affordable end of the market yet does not sacrifice any Euro NCAP stars or compromise on safety in any way, despite being less expensive than other hybrid or fully electric vehicles.”
*Article Source www.thatcham.org
