- Tesla commended for its 94% Safety Assist score and five-star rating
- Škoda Scala scores an impressive five-stars for all-round safety performance
- Mercedes-Benz B Class and Mercedes-Benz GLA achieve five-star ratings
- DS 3 Crossback and Kia Ceed achieve five-stars, when optional safety pack is purchased
Results for the latest cars to be rated against Euro NCAP’s most demanding tests to date have been announced today. Cars from DS, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Škoda and Tesla all achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating for safety[1].
The Tesla Model 3 and Škoda Scala have been highly praised for their all-round safety performance in this group of five-star rated cars that include equipment such as Hills.
Matthew Avery, Director of Research, Thatcham Research comments, “The Tesla Model 3 achieved one of the highest Safety Assist scores we have seen to date. Its Collision Avoidance Assist system is first class, with its Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems showing high levels of performance.
“Tesla has done a great job of playing the structural benefits of an electric vehicle to its advantage. Impact performance is enhanced by the absence of a mechanical engine and the car’s low centre of gravity. The Tesla Model 3 really benefits from its all electric-architecture.”
The Tesla Model 3 has been commended for its Adult Occupant protection (96%), Child Occupant protection (86%) and Vulnerable Road Users (74%) scores.
It includes a range of safety features to assist drivers in emergency situations, including a Speed Assistance System, Lane Departure Avoidance and Blind Spot Collision Warning. As a comfort driving feature, Tesla’s AutoPilot system was not assessed by Euro NCAP. However, Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research will rate such systems in a separate programme set to launch in 2020.
Avery added, “Tesla has made a virtue of safety in its marketing and it is great to see a car now living up to that promise. It would be exciting if Tesla delivered the same benefits for drivers of older models via over-the-air updates.”
Another star performer
The Škoda Scala is another star performer in this round of testing, achieving high scores for Adult Occupant protection (97%), Child Occupant protection (87%), Vulnerable Road Users (81%) and Safety Assist (76%).
The Škoda Scala is now one of the safest vehicles in the small family car category and is the first Škoda model range to be equipped with Lane Assist and AEB which can detect cyclists and pedestrians.
Avery said, “Škoda consistently produce cars with high standards of safety and do so at a low price point compared to other manufacturers.
“The Škoda Scala shows strong performance across the board – rating highly on passive and active safety protection. And at a starting price point of £15,750, you don’t have to pay the earth to get five-star safety.”
More five-star Mercs
The Mercedes-Benz B Class and Mercedes-Benz GLE also performed well, achieving five-star Euro NCAP ratings. Both vehicles have AEB Pedestrian and AEB Cyclist fitted as standard, as well as speed assistance and lane assist technology to maximise safety. All Mercedes-Benz cars launched since 2014 have achieved five-star ratings.
The DS 3 Crossback and Kia Ceed scored five-stars if buyers purchase the optional safety pack. Without the safety pack, the cars achieved four-star ratings.
| Vehicle | Adult Occupant Protection (%) | Child Occupant Protection (%) | Vulnerable Road Users (%) | Safety Assist (%) |
| DS 3 Crossback (standard safety equipment) | 87 | 86 | 54 | 63 |
| DS 3 Crossback (with safety pack) | 96 | 86 | 64 | 76 |
| Kia Ceed (standard safety equipment) | 88 | 85 | 52 | 68 |
| Kia Ceed (with safety pack) | 88 | 85 | 68 | 73 |
| Mercedes-Benz B Class (standard safety equipment) | 96 | 90 | 78 | 75 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | 91 | 90 | 78 | 78 |
| Škoda Scala | 97 | 87 | 81 | 76 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 96 | 86 | 74 | 94 |