Euro NCAP has released the latest round of vehicle safety rating.
Seven of the nine new models were tested received a five-star rating. This month the Audi Q7, Ford Galaxy and S-Max, Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi L200, Renault Kadjar and Volvo XC90 were assessed. The Mazda and Mitsubishi missed out on the top rating because autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is not fitted as standard on the CX-3 and not offered on the L200.
Volvo received a 100 per cent score for the safety assistance systems fitted to the XC90. Standard fitment of AEB, the operation of the speed limiter and the lane assistance system all contributed to the high rating. Its Adult Occupant protection rating of 97 per cent was also the highest of the group with strong scores for Child Occupant and Pedestrian Safety.
Children are best protected in the Volkswagen Touran (rated at 89 per cent) with strong scores for the Audi Q7 (88 per cent) and both Fords, which were identically rated at 87 per cent. Pedestrians are best protected by the Mazda CX-3, which was rated 84 per cent and the only vehicle to be rated more than 80 per cent.
Anything else?
The Ford Galaxy and S-Max are fitted with an AEB system that detect pedestrians; which was noted in the tester's comments. However, Euro NCAP testing does not currently award extra marks for pedestrian detection but the functionality will be assessed from 2016.