Europe - Euro NCAP has published safety ratings for the new SA-bound Volkswagen T-Roc, Polo and Opel Crossland X.
All cars achieve a maximum five-star rating.
The best all-rounders
The new Volvo XC60 becomes the best all-round performer of 2017 so far and matches the performance of the XC90, tested in 2015. With an almost-perfect 98% adult occupant protection and with an array of driver assistance features, the XC60 demonstrates the levels of safety available on top-end models.
But safety is not confined to the higher end of the market.
The subcompact hatchback is Europe’s highest-selling segment and manufacturers have been keen to add high-tech to their latest offerings. The new VW Polo joins the Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta and SEAT Ibiza amongst the ranks of recently-tested superminis to feature a whole host of driver assistance features, including standard-fit autonomous emergency braking.
Volkswagen Polo
Opel Crossland X
Volkswagen T Roc
Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, said: "Of course, it is great to see the likes of Volvo producing cars that get almost-full marks in some areas of our tests, and it demonstrates why Euro NCAP has to keep adapting its requirements. Next year will see new tests and even tougher requirements for five stars.
"But it is the high-selling mass-market vehicles that will really influence road safety in the future and manufacturers like Nissan, Ford, SEAT and VW are to be congratulated for democratising safety by making high-tech safety assistance available on their superminis. We expect Renault, whose Clio leads European sales in this segment, to follow suit in due course."