EuroNCAP, the European safety testing organization, began a new strategy of safety tests for new cars. The first session with the “Dual Rating” system focused on four models, but came up with six ratings.
Anyone with a fundamental understanding of algebra will observe that four vehicles were tested, but six scores were generated, which could raise confusion among consumers.
EuroNCAP’s idea of this system is that automakers will be interested in getting a better rating for their cars so that they will fit them with an Advanced Driving Assistance Package as standard. Until then, the organization will grant each model that does not have the system in the base trim level two ratings if it is available as an optional feature.
In other words, if a new car that is tested by the EuroNCAP does have an Advanced Driving Assistance Package, a term that will be explained below, it will only get a rating, which will include the results of that system.
If a model does not have the tech package as standard, but customers can get it as optional equipment, EuroNCAP will test it regardless, and then provide two ratings — one with the system, and another one without it.
The system in question is nothing standard across the automotive industry, like ABS, but a package that contains an autonomous emergency braking system, which can operate in city conditions, inter-urban conditions, and that can detect pedestrians and prevent a frontal impact with them by applying the brakes.
Since the Toyota Hilux and Renault Scenic’s results were covered in other articles, this story will focus on the Kia Niro and Subaru Levorg. The crossover from Kia obtained a four-star safety rating without the system, which is the best available without the presence of and Autonomous Emergency Braking system.
With the optional equipment package that includes the technology described above, the Kia Niro received a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.
With optional safety equipment, the 2016 Kia Niro scored 91% for adult occupant protection, 80% for child occupant safety, 70% for pedestrian safety, and 81 percent for Safety Assist. The standard equipment grade of the Kia Niro brought lower ratings for adult passengers (83%), Safety Assist (59%), and pedestrian protection (57%).
Meanwhile, in the Subaru camp, the Levorg received a single rating from EuroNCAP because it has a standard Autonomous Emergency Braking system. Its overall crashworthiness was rated at five stars, which is the maximum possible grade in EuroNCAP’s system.
In the case of the 2016 Levorg, EuroNCAP evaluated the adult protection level at 92%. Child safety was ranked at 83%, pedestrian safety reached 75%, and Safety Assist achieved 68 percent of the maximum available points.
Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland. Full profile
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