The Nissan Qashqai scored highest in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, which assessed four new models with ‘Level 2’ assisted driving systems.
It scored 74% for assistance competence and 93% for safety back-up to achieve a ‘very good’ result overall.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research said, “Previously a ‘very good’ rating has been the preserve of premium vehicles. However, Nissan has proven that it is possible to deliver a high performing, well-balanced assisted driving experience at the more affordable end of the market, proving that as technology develops it becomes more accessible and ultimately ubiquitous.”
Meanwhile, the VW ID.5 was also rated ‘very good’, scoring 76% for assistance competence and 85% for safety back-up, while the Polestar 2 received a ‘good’ rating after a raft of over-the-air improvements since it was last rated in 2021.
However, the Jaguar I-Pace, the only vehicle in this round of testing that does not cease driving while the assisted driving mode is engaged if the driver becomes unresponsive, achieved an ‘entry’ level score.
Avery said, “Some of the vehicles have performed very well in this latest round of testing, and it’s especially positive to add two new ‘very good’ cars to the previous ratings. It is interesting to see the improvements Polestar has made to its vehicle using OTA updates, an excellent means of tweaking performance for the better overnight. It is also becoming ever-more apparent that electrification and automation go hand in hand. We would strongly encourage drivers to use this technology, it is more than just a feature count, it protects drivers and other road users alike with numerous safety benefits.”
