Vehicle safety has become a key consideration for buyers, often influenced by Euro NCAP ratings. Smaller, budget cars struggle to achieve the coveted 5-star rating due to fewer advanced safety features, as seen in the recent assessments of the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290, both earning 4 stars. These models excel in child protection but face challenges in adult protection and vulnerable road user safety, reflecting a broader trend where larger vehicles tend to score higher.
Prioritizing Safety in Car Purchases
When it comes to vehicle safety, consumers are often willing to invest significantly. Safety has emerged as a pivotal factor in the car-buying decision-making process, with Euro NCAP test scores frequently serving as a crucial reference point for many buyers.
In recent years, it has become increasingly rare for vehicles to fall short of the prestigious 5-star rating, especially with the implementation of the GSR2 standard and the updated Euro NCAP evaluation system, which we have detailed in a separate article.
The Challenge for Small Cars
Vehicles that score below the coveted 5 stars often lose points in driving assistance features, a trend that particularly affects smaller, budget-friendly cars. In contrast, larger sedans and SUVs, which tend to be pricier, usually come equipped with more advanced safety features.
This trend is illustrated by the recent Euro NCAP assessment of the Renault 5 E-Tech, which achieved a respectable 4-star rating, as did its sporty counterpart, the Alpine A290. As safety standards evolve, it is becoming increasingly challenging for compact cars to secure a perfect score. For instance, even the Renault Captur, a vehicle from a higher segment, recently managed only 4 stars.
It’s evident that higher ratings tend to favor larger vehicles; examples include the Porsche Macan, starting at approximately 80,000 euros, the Volvo EX30 at 39,000 euros, the Cupra Tavascan at 47,000 euros, and the Leapmotor C10 SUV, which starts at 36,000 euros.
Safety Strengths and Weaknesses of the R5 E-Tech and Alpine A290
Despite achieving 4 out of 5 stars, the Renault 5 E-Tech and Alpine A290 showcase notable strengths in safety, particularly in child protection, where they perform admirably in both frontal and side impact tests. However, the absence of certain seat fixings results in a lower score of 80% in this category.
For adult protection, the Renault 5 garners an 80% rating, which is generally acceptable. Nevertheless, it faces challenges during frontal collisions, as the driver’s torso protection is deemed average, with the potential for head impact against the opposite door during side impacts.
When it comes to the safety of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, the overall score is 76%, reflecting some weaknesses in the emergency braking system, particularly at night. Additionally, the design of the car’s short hood increases the risk of pedestrian head injuries during collisions.
Ultimately, both vehicles received comparable scores across the board. A 4-star rating is commendable for this category, especially considering not all vehicles perform equally well; for example, the Jeep Avenger, which belongs to a higher segment, only managed a 3-star rating.