The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Honda CR-V and Seat Tarraco have all managed five-star safety scores in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests.
More on the Euro NCAP crash test:
All three cars scored at least 90 percent for adult occupant protection, although the Seat led the pack with a stellar 97 percent score. The seven-seat SUV was rated either ‘good’ or ‘adequate’ in every area of driver and passenger protection, except for rear-seat whiplash protection, where it was deemed ‘marginal’. In comparison, the CR-V was given a 93-percent score, with the only major blemish being a ‘poor’ rating for rear-seat whiplash protection, while the G-Class managed 90 percent despite some ‘weak’ and ‘marginal’ scores for upper body protection in some tests.
'And the trio scored similarly on child occupant protection, with the Seat again leading the way - albeit only by a single percentage point. The Spanish car’s protection of six-to-ten-year-old children was rated ‘good’ in pretty much every area, but the car missed out on a few marks because of “safety critical” problems installing certain child seats in some positions. The Honda and Mercedes both scored 83 percent.
The Seat led the way in terms of pedestrian protection, too, scoring 79 percent. Perhaps surprisingly, the boxy G-Class followed closely behind the Tarraco, managing a highly commendable score of 78 percent. The CR-V lagged behind slightly on 70 percent - the lowest score any of the three cars achieved in any area. All three cars suffered for offering ‘weak’ or even ‘poor’ protection around the base of the A-pillars, but the Seat managed its higher score mainly thanks to its ‘good’ rating for pelvis and leg protection across the width of the car.
'All three cars also scored similarly for safety assistance systems, which have become a larger part of the crash test in recent years. The trio were given solid ratings for their autonomous emergency braking systems, which automatically brake to avoid or mitigate an impending accident.
However, Euro NCAP gave the Seat a 79-percent score after penalising its speed assistance systems, while the Honda was awarded 76 percent once it had been marked down for offering an ‘adequate’ “human interface” with the lane-keeping assistance system. The Mercedes, despite being the most expensive of the three, was only given a ‘marginal’ rating for its lane assistance kit, leaving it with a score of 72 percent.
Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said the results showed the benefits of fitting advanced safety systems as standard.
“Here we have three new vehicles, competing in the same segment and getting top safety ratings,” he said. “That’s impressive enough, but the fact that all three off-roaders are equipped with pedestrian and cyclist AEB systems really demonstrates the power of consumer testing not only to encourage better performance but also to promote new technologies as standard-fit across Europe.”
Gallery: G-Class, CR-V and Tarraco score top marks in Euro NCAP crash test