Euro NCAP specialists tested the safety level of several new and updated models. These included the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Lexus ES, the restyled Mazda6 wagon, the Hyundai Nexo crossover, as well as the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter. The first four cars were awarded the maximum five stars by the experts.
For the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, protection of the driver and adult passengers was rated at 96%, children at 91%, pedestrians and cyclists at 92%, and the operation of electronic assistants at 75%. The hatchback successfully passed all tests, including a side pole impact. However, experts noted the not very effective operation of the lane keeping system — due to shortcomings in the functioning of blind spot monitoring.
The new Lexus ES sedan scored 91% for driver and front passenger safety, 87% for children, and 90% for pedestrians. Electronic systems earned 77%. During the tests, it was found that in a full frontal impact, there is a high probability of serious lumbar injuries for passengers in the rear row. The electronics, including the automatic braking system, performed well. But, as with the Mercedes, the lane keeping assistant does not cope with complex scenarios.
For the updated Mazda6 in the wagon body, the indicators were distributed as follows: driver and adult passengers — 95%, children — 91%, pedestrians and cyclists — 66%, electronic assistants — 73%. As with the Lexus, in a frontal impact across the full width of the body, the lower back of rear passengers suffers. Also, specialists criticized the active hood, which rises upon impact to protect pedestrians: its activation turned out to be highly dependent on the height and physique of the person.
The Hyundai Nexo crossover received 94% for driver and adult protection, 87% for children, and 67% for pedestrians and cyclists. The effectiveness of electronic systems was 80%. The report noted that in a collision with a deformable obstacle, the driver's legs are insufficiently protected, and there is also a risk of serious whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.
The similar Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter (which replaced the Partner) earned four stars. For both models, driver and adult passenger safety was 91%, children — 81%, pedestrians — 58%, and electronics — 68%. In two variants of frontal impacts, the driver and passengers risk chest injuries. For pedestrians, the most dangerous place was named the lower part of the front pillars. In addition, experts pointed out the weak performance of automatic emergency braking at higher speeds.
