In alphabetical order: Audi Q7, Jeep Renegade, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 2008, Porsche Taycan, Renault Captur, SEAT Alhambra, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Forester, Tesla Model X and Volkswagen Sharan. Yes, 12 models evaluated in the Euro NCAP tests, with the organization announcing yet another round of tests to be published before the year ends.
Not all the models tested are new, or new to these journeys — some have received updates to the proposed safety equipment, especially those related to driving assistants, justifying the new test.
Let's start with these models, some of them already quite veterans in the market.
Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra
The two large MPVs, made in Portugal, have been on the market for many years now — the current generation was launched in 2010 and received an update in 2015. Despite the age of both models, they have recently received more safety equipment, such as autonomous emergency braking and rear seat belts with stress limiters.
Audi Q7, Ford Mondeo, Jeep Renegade
THE Audi Q7 , launched in 2015, received a substantial renovation recently that saw it get a new front and rear, as well as a new interior. But as before, and despite the Euro NCAP testing requirement being higher today, the Q7 achieved five stars with high scores in all four assessment areas.
THE Ford Mondeo , launched among us in 2014, was also updated this year and gained more safety equipment, including emergency autonomous braking, and rear belts with pretensioners and effort limiters. Enough updates to keep five stars on the Euro NCAP tests.
Finally, also the Renegade Jeep received an update, known as early as 2018, four years after its release. It was the only car rated this year by Euro NCAP with three stars, an unsatisfactory result, but with a simple justification: the AEB or autonomous emergency braking system is not available as standard on all versions, being an option on some versions. If it were a series, the result would be different.
We remind you that the Euro NCAP assessments only take into account the safety equipment that can be found in any of the versions of a given model. Some models offer optional safety equipment packs, which Euro NCAP also usually tests, as happened in this group with the Peugeot 2008. And speaking of it…
Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur
The two B-SUV compacts will most likely be the most serious candidates for sales leadership in the segment in 2020, but in this first clash between the two, it's the Renault Capture which comes out at an advantage when it reaches five stars.
THE Peugeot 2008 it can also reach them if you opt for a package of safety equipment that includes, among others, a more advanced autonomous emergency braking system that already makes it possible to detect cyclists as well as pedestrians. When not equipped with this security package, the Peugeot 2008 achieves four stars in the Euro NCAP tests.
Ford Kuga, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Forester
Continuing with the launch of new models, the third generation of the Ford Kuga , the fourth generation of Skoda Octavia and the fifth generation of Subaru Forester , all of them received five stars. Of note is Subaru, which with the publication of this review, its range for sale in Europe is, in its entirety, five Euro Ncap stars.
Subaru Forester
Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model X
THE Porsche Taycan it is the Stuttgart manufacturer's first 100% electric and if it has already impressed us in dynamics and performance, it has also achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP tests. However, its performance in the rear crash test revealed marginal neck protection for the front and rear occupants (bullwhip effect).
THE Tesla Model X it has been in the market for a few years now — it was launched in 2015 in the US and started its career in Europe in 2016 in just a few markets. However, the electric SUV is just now coming "into the hands" of Euro NCAP, with the reputation of being one of the safest cars on sale on the planet.
Well, the reputation has been proven. Not only did it reach five stars, Euro NCAP said it is one of the strongest contenders for this year's “Best in Class” title. Highlights include the high score in the area of assessment of safety assistance systems and also in the protection of adult occupants.