After assessing 55 new models in 2019, Euro NCAP has announced the ‘Best in Class’, noting that 41 of those models achieved top scores. This makes 2019 one of the most impressive years on record since Euro NCAP started to evaluate consumer safety of cars on the European market.
Mercedes-Benz regained its crown in the best performing Small Family Car category with the CLA. This is the sporty alternative to the A-Class Sedan, the winner of last year’s Best in Class. It achieved a score of more than 90% in three of the four areas of safety and delivered the best overall rating of the year. Remarkably, Mercedes-Benz launched 5 more 5-star vehicles in 2019, all with outstanding crash protection and driver assistance technology.
Tesla also made a strong appearance in 2019’s tests. The Model X is 2019’s winner in the Large Off-Road category, with the SEAT Tarraco in second place. The Tesla Model 3 is top of the ‘Electric and Hybrid’ vehicle class and, together with BMW’s 3-Series, shares top spot in the Large Family category. The two cars ended up with identical overall scores, the BMW scoring better in pedestrian protection, and the Tesla edging it in Safety Assist. Skoda’s new Octavia is the runner-up in this category.
In the combined Small Off-road/Small MPV class, Subaru won with the new Forester showing excellent all-round performance. Mazda’s CX-30 and Volkswagen’s T-Cross were close followers in this category.
Despite missing out on the top spot, Mazda had an excellent year in the tests, with the Mazda3 turning in an exceptional performance in Adult Occupant Protection and taking the second place to the Mercedes-Benz CLA in the Small Family Car category.
In the Supermini class, there was a tie between the sporty Audi A1 and top-selling Renault Clio which have been among Europe’s most popular and desirable hatchbacks for years. Their latest generations arrived in 2019 and came out equally well in Euro NCAP’s tests, while the newcomer Ford Puma was the runner-up in this category.
The Supermini segment remains the most competitive in the European market, as illustrated by the presence of 3, 4 and 5-star cars in the list. Euro NCAP said the winners deserve extraordinary credits for their uncompromising stance on safety.
Finally, a special mention was made of the new BMW Z4, the only roadster tested in 2019. It has unquestionably set a new safety benchmark for the segment.
