In recent months and in the ones to come, we have been bombarded with numerous reports, rumors, and statements about the competition between European manufacturers and the Chinese motivation to penetrate the continent. The desire to block the manufacturers from entering the market is clear: "They will sell cheaply and drive us out of the game." The issue is that in the recent crash tests, European manufacturers that were once associated with safety are failing to produce worthy cars, while the Chinese are racking up stars. So, to the European manufacturers, excelling in crash tests indicates that the Chinese may defeat you at home, not because of the price, but due to investment in design.
The results of the latest Euro NCAP crash test round illustrate this trend even more. But let's start with the standout of the round, the Audi Q6 e-tron. Audi's new electric crossover receives 5 stars and, even more impressively, very high scores in subcategories – 91% for adult protection, 92% for child protection, 81% for pedestrian protection, and 80% for advanced safety systems. It is expected to arrive here later this year, with a price forecast around NIS 500,000.
The Ford Explorer, not the American SUV you know, but the one that Europe receives, is part of the Ford-Volkswagen cooperation that markets almost identical models in disguise (see the Ranger and Amarok pickups). In the case of the Explorer, it is actually a twin of the Volkswagen ID.4, and it also receives 5 stars in the crash test. In subcategory scores, it gets 89% for adult protection, 86% for children, 80% for pedestrian protection, and 72% for safety systems. The original arrival date for the model in Israel was the third quarter, so hopefully, we’ll see it by the end of 2024.
The Subaru Crosstrek, the successor to the XV already marketed here and tested for the first time in Israel, also receives 5 stars in the crash test. The subcategory scores are 83% for passenger protection, 90% for children, 85% for pedestrian protection, and 72% for advanced safety systems.
And speaking of Chinese excellence, after MG was the pioneer and then Zikr, Nio, Maxus, BYD, and Smart all achieved 5-star ratings in the last two years, Expanse is also expanding its collection of 5-star ratings. The P7 and G9 received them last year, and this time it is the crossover G6 with 5 stars, 88% for adult protection, 85% for children, 81% for pedestrian protection, and 75% for safety systems performance.
The organization notes that the plug-in hybrid version of the BYD Seal U also received, like its electric sister already tested, a 5-star rating. The subcategory scores are 90% for adult protection, 86% for children, 83% for pedestrian protection, and 77% for safety systems.
From here on, the focus shifts to the underperformers, if not outright disappointments. "Renault is a brand with a prestigious safety history," says Dr. Michael von Rittingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP. "It was one of the first manufacturers to receive a 5-star rating. The four stars received by the Captur are a sign that, although these cars make a solid impression, Renault no longer seems to aim for the top spot." The Captur, tested under a different name with which it is marketed – Symbioz – received only 4 stars in the crash test, with scores of 73% for adult protection, 80% for children, 76% for pedestrian protection, and 69% for safety systems.
The last, and not very favorably reviewed by Euro NCAP, is the Jeep Avenger, essentially a twin of the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, Fiat 600, Alfa Romeo Junior, and others. Only after winning some of the most puzzling awards in the history of the "Car of the Year" competition and other titles like Top Gear's Family SUV of the Year and Women’s Car of the Year – all in 2023, comes the crash test where it earns only 3 stars and very unimpressive subcategory scores – 79% for adult protection, 70% for children, 59% for pedestrian protection, and 53% for advanced safety systems.