Assessing the safety of vehicles entering the market is an important task for manufacturers . Virtually all of them subject their models to rigorous safety tests, but sometimes it's necessary to go further. Initiatives like those of EuroNCAP are invaluable for this purpose . This organization is completely independent and unaffiliated with any brand, so its assessments carry significant weight, especially when it comes to advertising and sales.
Renault is one of the brands that has most consistently "owned" EuroNCAP stars, although over time they have become more widely available. Volvo is another brand with an excellent safety reputation, and this latest round of tests confirms it. For this occasion, EuroNCAP selected models from various segments and brands , including Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Peugeot, Volkswagen, and Volvo. All performed well, but the Stellantis twins fell short.
Kia EV5 6 Stars Shine in Side Barrier Test…
The Kia EV6 tested by EuroNCAP has the longest range, meaning it has the largest battery. Its 5-star rating is well-deserved, especially for its excellent performance in the frontal impact test, with good protection for the driver's and passenger's knees and thighs. It also excels in the side barrier and fixed bar tests , offering some of the best protection in all critical body areas.
Good for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 5 EuroNCAP stars plus yours add up to a total of 6…
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is another model tested by EuroNCAP. Its 5 stars , combined with the one it displays on the front, could make it the only one on the list with 6. Joking aside, the version tested is the 180 AMG Line, and thanks to this, it comes loaded with technology such as the eCall system and the automatic deactivation of the passenger airbag when a child seat is installed rear-facing. In terms of tests, the Bavarian sedan achieved a good score in occupant protection and whiplash protection.
The Opel Astra and its Vauxhall brother settle for 4 stars...
The Opel Astra is one of the best-selling compact cars in Europe. Its long history is associated with a good level of safety, as Euro NCAP confirms. However, it only achieves 4 stars even with the highest level of safety equipment. In this case, pedestrian head protection is adequate, as is the effective leg protection provided by the bumper. It also includes an active emergency braking system.
And its cousin, the Peugeot 308 too, only 4 stars...
If the Opel Astra gets 4 stars, the same applies to the Peugeot 308. They are essentially clones, as Stellantis uses the same technology to develop both models. In this case, the version tested is the 130 hp Allure PureTech, one of the best-selling models. Regarding safety, it scores well in the side impact test, offering good protection to all critical body parts. Where it falls short is in active safety, scoring 66%.
Volkswagen Multivan: 5 stars for the whole family…
The Volkswagen Multivan is one of the few minivans remaining on the market. However, its range can be divided into several body styles, although the 5-star EuroNCAP rating applies to all of them. In this case, the protection it offers to the driver's and passenger's knees and thighs is good. Where the Volkswagen model falls short is in pedestrian and cyclist protection , achieving a poor 69%.
Volvo C40 Recharge: 5 stars to reinforce the image of the brand…
Finally, there's the Volvo C40 Recharge , one of the safest models tested by EuroNCAP . It earned 5 stars and scores that, except for adult occupant protection, are the highest of all the models evaluated in this round. It excels in active driving aids with an 89% score and in pedestrian and cyclist protection with a 70% score, placing it second only to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Summary table of EuroNCAP scores
Following the formal review, here is a table that graphically summarizes the scores EuroNCAP has given to the models evaluated this time. With it, you can find out if your preferred model meets your requirements.
| Make model | Final score | Passive Safety (Adults) | Passive Safety (Children) | Pedestrian and cyclist protection | Active security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make model | Final score | Passive Safety (Adults) | Passive Safety (Children) | Pedestrian and cyclist protection | Active security |
| Kia EV6 | 5 stars | 90 % | 86 % | 64 % | 87 % |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 5 stars | 93 % | 89 % | 80 % | 82 % |
| Opel Astra | 4 stars | 80 % | 82 % | 67 % | 66 % |
| Peugeot 308 | 4 stars | 76 % | 84 % | 68 % | 65 % |
| Volkswagen Multivan | 5 stars | 90 % | 89 % | 69 % | 87 % |
| Volvo C40 Recharge | 5 stars | 92 % | 89 % | 70 % | 89 % |
Source – EuroNCAP