RE: EuroNcap1 Oct 2020 10:17
Euro NCAP's new assessment protocols focus on two main areas: Assistance Competence
– a balance between the technical competencies of the system (Vehicle Assistance) and the
extent to which it keeps the driver alert and engaged (Driver Engagement) - and Safety
Backup, the car’s safety net in critical situations. Aunique grading system – similar to the fivestar safety rating - helps consumers understand the conclusions of the tests and compare
assistance performance at the highest level. Each car falls into one of four categories: Entry,
Moderate, Good and Very Good.
Three cars in the premium segment - the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the BMW 3 Series and the
Audi Q8 – are graded ‘Very Good’, achieving a good balance between offering a high level
of driving assistance but keeping the driver engaged and in control of the driving task. They
also provide a good crash avoidance backup system and respond appropriately if the driver
becomes incapacitated while the car is in assistance mode.
High volume sellers Renault Clio and Peugeot 2008 were both given an Entry grade. Lacking
the sophistication of the more advanced systems tested, they provide a relatively modest
level of assistance, ensuring that the driver is not disengaged from the driving task.
Tesla’s pioneering role in self-driving technology is reflected in its top scores for Vehicle
Assistance and Safety Backup. However, its “Autopilot” system does little to keep the driver
engaged. Its distinct steering strategy gives the impression that either the car is driving itself
or the driver has full control, and the system is more authoritarian than cooperative. Gradingwise, the car is badly let down by its performance in Driver Engagement and ends up ranked
2
‘Moderate’. On the upside, Tesla offers over-the-air updates and can rapidly introduce
performance improvements, as they have shown to be doing in recent years.
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