An independent entity that carries out safety tests on new vehicles sold within the European Union, Euro NCAP has just put four more models to the test, some about to "land" on the European market: Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg, Ford Tourneo Connect and Suzuki Jimmy.
Equipped only with the active and passive safety systems proposed as standard, the four proposals were subjected to demanding crash tests, as well as the effectiveness of the driving assistance systems — such as automatic emergency braking — with the results verified. reveal quite different scores. And, in particular in one of the cases, unexpectedly insufficient.
Thus, while the two Volkswagen Group models passed the test with distinction, both obtaining a five-star rating, Ford Tourneo Connect and Suzuki Jimny did not reach the desired five stars — in the case of the American car, with a four-star rating , while the Japanese, with a meager three stars.
Audi A6
Euro NCAP recalls, however, that the Tourneo Connect is an improved version of the model tested in 2013. It is now equipped with automatic emergency braking and lane maintenance assistant, which also covers commercial versions, which makes it better prepared to face the most demanding tests introduced this year.
the three stars of jinny
The new Suzuki Jimny has generated a lot of expectations after its presentation, but the three stars it achieved leaves us far behind. Analyzing the results in greater detail, it appears that they are mainly due to the insufficient performance of the driving assistance systems — the weight of these systems in the final classification is increasing. Furthermore, despite the presence of a lane departure warning system, the little Suzuki Jimny does not come equipped with the lane maintenance system.
More worrying was the performance in the frontal collision tests with lag, with insufficient pressure in the driver's airbag, not preventing the driver's head from making contact with the steering wheel. In the 100% frontal collision test (without lag), there was also weak protection of the chest of the two front occupants.
Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAPOverall, the latest results show that, although Euro NCAP tests are becoming increasingly demanding, achieving five stars remains an achievable, albeit challenging, goal for the automotive industry.