Euro NCAP has released new safety ratings for a range of models.
The Dacia Duster and Suzuki Swift both achieved just three stars, while the Mercedes-Benz E class, the VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq all achieved five stars
Meanwhile, the BMW x2 and Renault’s Espace and Rafale were rated as five-star twins to 2022-tested cars.
Both the Dacia Duster and Suzuki Swift prioritise affordability over safety features. While they meet legislation around autonomous emergency braking, emergency lane-keeping systems, intelligent speed limiters, and driver fatigue detection, they offer little more.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz E class, VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq all provide exemplary levels of occupant protection, although the E-Class was close to losing a star against Euro NCAP’s latest protocols around pedestrian protection.
The BMW X2 is rated as five stars against 2022 protocols although it offers only poor pedestrian pelvis protection, with the Renault Espace and Rafale also awarded 2022 ratings.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP, said, “This latest release reveals a growing split between the safety ambitions of different car brands.The difference in star ratings is partly due to the segments in which the cars compete, but Euro NCAP also believes it is a matter of a brand’s priorities.
“Some, like Mercedes-Benz, Škoda, VW, BMW, and Renault, are convinced of their customers’ commitment to safety and its higher worth in the product offering.For Dacia and Suzuki, the emphasis is on affordability, but consumers should be in no doubt that there are competitor vehicles to the Duster and the Swift available on the market, which offer considerably higher levels of safety.”
