Euro NCAP releases the safety ratings of four new cars today. Both the Audi A6 and the VW Touareg achieve a maximum five- star rating, the Ford Tourneo Connect achieves a solid four-star rating and the new Suzuki Jimny scores three stars.

The Audi A6 and the VW Touareg score particularly well for vulnerable road user protection including Euro NCAP’s new requirements for cyclist-detecting Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). The Ford Tourneo Connect compact panel van is an updated version of the vehicle last tested in 2013. The car achieves a solid four stars against the 2018 requirements. The updated Tourneo Connect is equipped with AEB and lane support as standard, even for commercial variants, making it stand out amid competition in this segment. The Suzuki Jimny scores a three-star rating, let down by its underwhelming driver assistance systems.

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP said, “Overall, these latest results demonstrate that, as Euro NCAP’s test protocols evolve and become more demanding, a 5-star rating remains an achievable although challenging objective for the auto industry.

“It is particularly positive and welcome that manufacturers are performing well in the assessment of vulnerable road user protection systems such as AEB for cyclists. Euro NCAP has now tested 6 models which feature this life-saving technology. These driver assistance systems are the building blocks for potential automation in the future. Importantly they offer tangible safety benefits today.”

Euro NCAP has created the five-star safety rating system to help consumers, their families and businesses compare vehicles more easily and to help them identify the safest choice for their needs.

The safety rating is determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real-life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.