Audi Q7, Hyundai Tucson, Opel Karl and Mazda MX-5 — Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP has announced the official data after testing out the new Audi Q7, Hyundai Tucson, Opel Karl and Mazda MX-5.

Euro NCAP has published its latest batch of crash test rating results for new cars.

The new generation of the Audi Q7 has managed to obtain a maximum 5-star safety rating. The popular full-sized SUV is bringing 94 percent in Adult Occupant, 88 percent in Child Occupant, 70 percent in Pedestrian safety and 76 percent in the Safety Assist. The crash test figures are applying to all of the Q7 vehicles in the specification tested, meaning 3.0 TDI Quattro.

The Euro NCAP test findings demonstrate that the All-New Tucson is one of the safest and most comprehensively well equipped vehicles in the compact SUV segment. The testers said that the Tucson represented a notable improvement over the previous generation, and the auto managed the top score despite only offering AEB as an option. Additionally, enhanced body connections enable better dissipation of collision energy – another factor that was central to the positive Euro NCAP test result. In the frontal offset test, the head bottomed out the airbag and in the side pole impact the chest was protected poorly. Chest protection offered to the rear small female passenger dummy in the latest full-width rigid barrier test was also weak while the driver slipped under the seatbelt, resulting in more risk of knee and thigh injuries. Only 64 percent out of a possible 100 percent having were achieved, just like the 2015 Audi TT from earlier this year.

However, the car’s pedestrian protection came in for special praise, scoring 93% thanks to its standard fit deployable bonnet. However, like for the TT, the fitment of the latest crash avoidance technology was felt to be unnecessary by Mazda for the fourth generation roadster.

Specifically, testers noted the absence of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to help avoid or mitigate crashes around town, pointing out that similarly priced cars in other segments offer this at least as an option.

Thomas Schmid, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “The All-New Tucson introduces a wide array of new safety technologies, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, at an accessible price”. All videos are available on our YouTube channel and Media Center for journalists.

For the new generation of the Mazda MX-5, things aren’t looking that brilliant as the roadster has obtained just 4 stars. It has been noted with 84 percent in Adult Occupant, 80 percent in Child Occupant, 93 percent in Pedestrian safety and 64 percent in Safety Assist. The test results apply to all versions of the new MX-5 but the tested car was a 1.5 SE-L.

Last but not least, the Opel / Vauxhall Karl has been also subjected to the various crash tests by Euro NCAP. This has also obtained 4 stars with 74 percent in Adult Occupant, 72 percent in Child Occupant, 68 percent in Pedestrian safety and 64 percent in Safety Assist. The test applies to all variants of the Karl but the tested model was a Viva 1.0 Enjoy.