Final year release with 14 cars reflects 2022, as new protocol upgrades are just around the corner
Euro NCAP releases results for its final group of cars for 2022. Only three of the 14 cars tested did not achieve the consumer safety organisation’s maximum five-star safety rating. Reflecting the diversity of vehicles tested in 2022, today’s grouping includes three Chinese cars, superminis, family cars, off-roaders, MPVs, pick-ups and four premium vehicles including the luxurious Lucid Air on show.
Lucid, one of many new brands tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, brings its ‘Air’ model to Europe and impresses with a five-star rating. Positioned very much in the premium segment and comprehensively equipped with the latest safety technology, the Lucid Air hold its own against cars such as the Tesla Model S, published last month, and other high-end vehicles such as the Lexus RX and Land Rover Discovery Sport, both large off-roaders, and the smaller Mercedes-Benz GLC, all published today.
But US-based Lucid is an exception in a year which has been notable for the number of new Chinese brands coming to Europe. Chery, well-established in other regions of the world, comes to Europe with the OMODA5 small off-roader, and SAIC’s Maxus introduce the MIFA 9, a large MPV, and both deliver five-star results. MG, another SAIC brand, continues its run of success with a top safety rating for its MG 4, a small, electric, family car.
2022 has also seen the trend towards electrification accelerate. Volkswagen new-but-retro ID. Buzz is an all-electric take on a large MPV. Bucking the trend, though, are combustion-engined twins, the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok pick-ups, which combine traditional powertrains with up-to-date safety technology.
