Jeep and Renault disappoint in crash tests, Chinese brands excel
While Expanse, BYD, Subaru, Audi, and Ford receive outstanding scores, Jeep and Renault score low and are criticized by experts from the organization.
In recent months and in the ones to come, we have been bombarded with numerous reports, rumors, and statements about the competition between European manufacturers and the Chinese motivation to penetrate the continent. The desire to block the manufacturers from entering the market is clear: "They will sell cheaply and drive us out of the game." The issue is that in the recent crash tests, European manufacturers that were once associated with safety are failing to produce worthy cars, while the Chinese are racking up stars. So, to the European manufacturers, excelling in crash tests indicates that the Chinese may defeat you at home, not because of the price, but due to investment in design.
The Ford Explorer, not the American SUV you know, but the one that Europe receives, is part of the Ford-Volkswagen cooperation that markets almost identical models in disguise (see the Ranger and Amarok pickups). In the case of the Explorer, it is actually a twin of the Volkswagen ID.4, and it also receives 5 stars in the crash test. In subcategory scores, it gets 89% for adult protection, 86% for children, 80% for pedestrian protection, and 72% for safety systems. The original arrival date for the model in Israel was the third quarter, so hopefully, we’ll see it by the end of 2024.
And speaking of Chinese excellence, after MG was the pioneer and then Zikr, Nio, Maxus, BYD, and Smart all achieved 5-star ratings in the last two years, Expanse is also expanding its collection of 5-star ratings. The P7 and G9 received them last year, and this time it is the crossover G6 with 5 stars, 88% for adult protection, 85% for children, 81% for pedestrian protection, and 75% for safety systems performance.
From here on, the focus shifts to the underperformers, if not outright disappointments. "Renault is a brand with a prestigious safety history," says Dr. Michael von Rittingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP. "It was one of the first manufacturers to receive a 5-star rating. The four stars received by the Captur are a sign that, although these cars make a solid impression, Renault no longer seems to aim for the top spot." The Captur, tested under a different name with which it is marketed – Symbioz – received only 4 stars in the crash test, with scores of 73% for adult protection, 80% for children, 76% for pedestrian protection, and 69% for safety systems.
