Genesis GV60 and Tesla Model Y score top marks in Euro NCAP safety test

The Genesis GV60 and Tesla Model Y have both been given a maximum five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, in its latest round of testing.

Euro NCAP also tested two newcomers from China’s Great Wall Motor Company - the ORA Funky Cat and the WEY Coffee 01, both achieving top marks.

The Model Y, built in Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory, scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection and near perfect 98% in Safety Assist, with full points for its lane support and new cabin camera based driver monitoring system.

In Euro NCAP track tests, the Model Y camera-only Vision system performs “remarkably well” in preventing collisions with other cars, cyclists and pedestrians.

Chinese manufacturers have tried to take on the European market before and have, in the past, met with mixed fortunes in safety tests. Following in the footsteps of NIO, Lynk & Co and MG, Great Wall Motor demonstrates that it can produce cars that match the best that Europe has to offer, with the electric ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 1 both achieving five stars.

Korean brands also did well in this round of tests. The electric SUV Genesis GV60 gets a five-star rating, albeit with some room for improvement in its protection of vulnerable road users. The Kia Niro is awarded four stars when fitted with standard equipment, but five when fitted with the optional safety pack.

Miller Crockart, chief revenue officer at Thatcham Researc, added: "Competition in the European new car market is only going to intensify, and it is those brands that look at the whole picture and market conditions that will succeed.

“The intelligence from insurers is that in today’s economic climate, it’s ever more important that emerging brands, especially EV start-ups and specialists, design and develop vehicles with ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ in mind.

So, alongside strong safety performance, the maintainability and repairability of these vehicles is also important, as is securing ample parts supply and a competitive and qualified repair and bodyshop network.”

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