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Euro NCAP: Top safety marks for A6 and Touareg, but driver protection an issue for Jimny

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Author: | Updated: 19 Sep 2018 16:05

Euro NCAP has released new safety ratings on four new cars, with both the Audi A6 and Volkswagen Touareg achieving a maximum five-star rating.

The updated Ford Tourneo Connect, meanwhile, achieved four stars, while the all-new Suzuki Jimny managed just three.

Euro NCAP Audi A6 2018

Both the Audi and VW scored particularly well for their vulnerable road user protection systems – a new stipulation introduced by Euro NCAP this year that requires automatic emergency braking (AEB) that is able to detect cyclists.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “Overall, these latest results demonstrate that, as Euro NCAP’s test protocols evolve and become more demanding, a 5-star rating remains an achievable although challenging objective for the auto industry.”

The Ford Tourneo Connect compact panel van is an updated version of the vehicle last tested in 2013 and is now equipped with AEB and lane support as standard, even for commercial variants, making it stand out amid competition in this segment.

Van Ratingen added: “It is particularly positive and welcome that manufacturers are performing well in the assessment of vulnerable road user protection systems such as AEB for cyclists. Euro NCAP has now tested 6 models which feature this life saving technology. These driver assistance systems are the building blocks for potential automation in the future. Importantly they offer tangible safety benefits today.”

However, the newest car of the bunch, the Suzuki Jimny, disappointed the safety experts. The tests revealed it to be poor on both impact testing and crash avoidance.

According to the Euro NCAP report, the Suzuki Jimny’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system “showed weak performance in tests of its pedestrian avoidance in daylight and does not operate in low light”. The Jimny was eventually given a three-star rating.

Matthew Avery, director of research for Thatcham Research, said: “The Suzuki Jimny’s performance in testing betrays its ostensibly rugged exterior. As a completely new vehicle, it should offer far more protection to drivers in the event of an accident.

“Its safety technology did not perform optimally either. The youthful audience the Suzuki Jimny has been designed for deserve better in terms of passive and active safety.”

Full results

Make/ Model Overall score Adult protection Child protection Pedestrian protection Active technology
Audi A6 Five stars 93% 85% 81% 76%
VW Touareg Five stars 89% 86% 72% 81%
Ford Tourneo Connect Four stars 92% 79% 65% 75%
Suzuki Jimny Three stars 73% 84% 52% 50%

You can find more of the latest Euro NCAP results by clicking here.

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