Yesterday in Brussels, Euro NCAP announced details of the best in test performers, in their size categories, for 2014 tests. The results were:
Large Family Car - Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Small Family Car - Nissan Qashqai
Small MPV - VW Golf Sportsvan
Small Off-Road 4x4 - Land Rover Discovery Sport
Supermini - Skoda Fabia
Of 2014’s five star cars, these are the vehicles that achieved the highest overall scores in their respective categories. In 2014, Euro NCAP’s assessments included new requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and put more emphasis on ‘Safety Assist’ – those technologies which help people to drive safely and avoid a crash.
The results show a split emerging between small, price-competitive cars and those in the larger categories. All of the Large Family cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2014 achieved a five star rating. By contrast, the Skoda Fabia was the only Supermini to be awarded five stars, despite the fact that 14 models in that category were assessed during the year. In the Small MPV category, only the VW Golf Sportsvan got the top rating, with more than half the segment scoring only three stars. It shows that manufacturers are still struggling to make driver assist technology available in market segments where every cent counts.
The best alternatively-fuelled vehicles tested in 2014 were the Lexus NX followed by Tesla Model S by a small margin. Of the 40 unique models tested in 2014, only 5 models offered either all-electric or hybrid driving.
Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, ‘We congratulate those manufacturers whose cars are in our Best in Class list for last year. It shows a commitment to offer the highest levels of safety which, nowadays, means active accident prevention as well as top-rate crash protection. As these technologies become more widespread and costs fall, we will see more manufacturers follow the example of the class leaders and offer the best all-round safety to all consumers.’
The complete list of top achievers tested in 2014 is published on Euro NCAP’s website.