New Euro NCAP tests: surprise results for models evaluated in this round
The latest Euro NCAP session: who gets 5 stars and who disappoints
Renault Clio Misses 5 Stars at Euro NCAP: Wave of Chinese 5 Stars Confirms Onerous Standards. The independent European road safety body, Euro NCAP, has most likely concluded its last series of tests this year, evaluating no fewer than 18 new models. Although 11 of these achieved the coveted 5 stars, a notable surprise came from an established model: the new generation Renault Clio managed to achieve only 4 stars.
This result contrasts with expectations, especially in the context where the 5-star standard is becoming the norm for most launched models, including a significant number of new models from China, which have excelled in this series.
Why Only 4 Stars For Clio?
The sixth generation of the French subcompact, Renault Clio, scored well in all four safety criteria, but not high enough to reach the maximum threshold. The score of 79% for Adult Protection and 73% for Safety Assist seem to be the weak points.
- Adult Protection: 79%
- Child Protection: 82%
- Vulnerable Users (Pedestrians and Cyclists): 80%
- Support Systems: 73%
Even though the new Euro NCAP protocols in recent years have become increasingly strict, placing a major emphasis on passive safety and advanced assistance systems (AEB, Lane Assist, etc.), the Clio result signals either a more conservative approach by Renault regarding standard equipment or a marginal performance in some of the new crash tests.
The 5 Star Wave: Mercedes and China's Surprise
In the same series of tests, a range of models achieved the maximum 5-star rating, underlining their superior performance according to current standards:
Outstanding Performance (5 Stars)
| Model | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection | Vulnerable Road Users | Safety Assist |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 83% | 86% | 82% | 70% |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | 94% | 89% | 93% | 85% |
| Mazda CX-5 | 90% | 89% | 93% | 83% |
| Volkswagen T-Roc | 91% | 87% | 87% | 77% |
| Porsche Cayenne Electric | 91% | 89% | 81% | 79% |
| Geely Starray EM-i | 90% | 87% | 86% | 77% |
| Deepal S05 | 94% | 87% | 78% | 76% |
| MG4 EV Urban | 87% | 85% | 85% | 80% |
| Hyundai Nexo | 90% | 85% | 76% | 80% |
| Exlantix EX | 90% | 85% | 76% | 79% |
| Kia EV4 (with optional pack) | 84% | 85% | 77% | 78% |
Models like the Mercedes-Benz CLA demonstrated engineering excellence, achieving near-perfect scores.
The Surprise of Chinese Manufacturers
A defining aspect of this series of tests is the impressive performance of Chinese models. Brands such as Geely (Starray EM-i), Deepal (S05) and Exlantix (EX) achieved unequivocal 5 stars, with solid scores across the board. This confirms the recent trend of Chinese manufacturers investing heavily in safety, meeting or exceeding European standards to gain consumer trust.
Others Who Missed the Maximum (4 Stars)
The Clio isn't the only one to be left with 4 stars. Several models from established and new manufacturers joined the Frenchman:
- Alpine A390: Alpine's first SUV achieved 4 stars, recording the lowest score in Adult Protection (74%).
- Jeep Compass (New Gen.): 4 stars, with a score of 66% in Assistance Systems, the lowest in the group.
- Toyota Yaris Facelift: The updated version of the Yaris scored 4 stars, with the lowest score in Adult Protection (72%) of all the models on the list, a warning sign for the small segment.
| Model | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection | Vulnerable Road Users | Safety Assist |
| Renault Clio | 79% | 82% | 80% | 73% |
| EBRO S400 | 79% | 85% | 78% | 80% |
| Chery Tiggo 4 | 79% | 85% | 78% | 80% |
| Kia EV4 (Standard) | 84% | 85% | 77% | 67% |
| Alpine A390 | 74% | 85% | 80% | 77% |
| Jeep Compass | 80% | 85% | 74% | 66% |
| Toyota Yaris Facelift | 72% | 84% | 83% | 72% |
| Kia PV5 | 83% | 85% | 64% | 65% |
| Toyota Aygo X Facelift | 73% | 72% | 83% | 68% |
The Particular Case of the Kia EV4
The Kia EV4 clearly demonstrated the importance of optional safety equipment. The model received 4 stars in standard configuration (due to a score of only 67% in Assistance Systems), but rose to 5 stars with the addition of the optional Safety Package, which improved the Assistance Systems score to 78%.
Conclusion
The Euro NCAP results in this series highlight two major trends:
- Increased Demand: Achieving 5 stars is no longer a formality, and cars that fail to achieve high scores in the new assistance and impact tests (especially those that simulate more complex accident scenarios) are penalized. The Renault Clio's 4-star score is proof that the standard of excellence is constantly shifting.
- The rise of China: The presence and success of Chinese models demonstrates that Asian manufacturers have quickly and effectively adopted European safety protocols, becoming serious competitors in this segment as well.
For consumers, the new tests provide a clear picture: maximum safety is increasingly correlated with the most advanced driver assistance systems, not just with solid structure.