The results are in for Euro NCAP’s fifth and last launch of 2011. A total of 14 cars were tested including two Chinese newcomers, the MG6 and the Geely Emgrand EC7, both of which achieved a four star rating, proving that at least some Chinese brands are starting to take safety seriously.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General commented: “These results mark a milestone for the Chinese automotive industry. It is a clear sign that Chinese car makers are building on recent experiences and rapidly investing in better vehicle safety. Even with the upcoming increased demands, five stars are expected to be within reach soon.”

Four more vehicles that are new were given a four-star rating, including the Fiat Panda, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jaguar XF and the EV Renault Fluence ZE.

According to Euro NCAP, the pure-electric Renault Fluence ZE underperformed on pedestrian protection, driver and passenger protection offered, while the Fiat Panda lost a star because it is not equipped with an Electronic stability control (ESC) as standard, in spite of the technology becoming obligatory in Europe in 2012.

The safety organization pointed out that the new Jeep Grand Cherokee “showed disappointing results in child occupant protection”, while in the frontal impact, the seat rail holding the seat belt anchorage came close to breaking in half, resulting in contact, through the fabric of the airbag, of the driver’s head with the steering wheel rim.

“Euro NCAP urges Jeep to complete its investigation into the cause and implement an improved seat rail design in future production cars soon,” the organization said in a statement.

Eight new models including the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Rio, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and C-Class Coupe, the Ranger Rover Evoque, Subaru XV, VW Beetle and up! were all awarded with Euro NCAP’s top safety rating of five stars. Being that the Seat Mii and the Skoda Citigo are re-badged versions of the VW up!, both cars receive a five-star rating.

Euro NCAP noted that the new Volkswagen Beetle and Subaru XV excelled in child occupant protection as both models reached 90%, which is the highest score Euro NCAP has yet given for this assessment to date.

PHOTO GALLERY