Euro NCAP reveal safety ratings
Euro NCAP released the safety ratings of seven car models: Mercedes-Benz's first electric off-road, the EQC, and their second generation CLA; Škoda's high-riding Kamiq; the fourth generation SsangYong Korando; BMW's latest Z4 and the new Audi A1. In addition, the Ford Focus, already tested in 2018, has been reassessed following minor updates to car. All seven cars achieved five-star ratings.
The C-segment SUV Korando is the first five-star car from Korea's up-and-coming SsangYong. Well-equipped, and with AEB as standard, the Korando's rating brings it into line with its competitors.
The Volkswagen Group launched the Škoda Kamiq, sister of the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross. The Škoda Kamiq is a high-riding Scala and shares a five-star rating and similar results to the car tested earlier this year.
Mercedes-Benz enters the all-electric market with the fully electric compact luxury SUV EQC. This is the first of Daimler's EQ range, and its rating augers well, with a five-star rating and good all-round performance.
Good results were achieved by other newcomers as well. The latest Mercedes-Benz CLA achieved an outstanding outcome, scoring more than 90% in three of the four area of safety assessed by Euro NCAP. BMW's two-seater roadster, the new Z4, scored well all-round but its protection of vulnerable road users was especially impressive, thanks to an active bonnet that lifts when a pedestrian has been hit. Audi's alternative to the Mini, the A1, also performed well in safety tests.
Finally, the Ford Focus achieved five stars in 2018 but its marginal front-seat whiplash protection meant it could not capitalise on good results for its AEB system. Ford has improved the design of the seats and head restraints and the car now demonstrates good whiplash protection in rear-end collisions and is rewarded for its excellent AEB city performance. The outcome is an improved overall score that reaffirms that the Focus is an all-round family car with great safety credentials.
Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said: "It's great to see this continued commitment to improved safety. From these results, achieving five stars may look so easy, but to meet test and fitment requirements for technology are very demanding and always updated to incorporate the latest technology development and address priorities in road safety."