Top safety awards for Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Hyundai

Independent vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP has announced its annual ‘Best in Class’ winners, with the all-new Mercedes-Benz A‑Class named as the standout performer amongst small family cars and this year’s overall victor.

The A-Class scored 96% for adult occupant safety, 91% for child occupant safety, 92% for vulnerable road-user safety and 75% for its safety assistance technology.

The Lexus ES, named the best all-round performer in the large family car category, also claimed Euro NCAP’s new award for best performing hybrid or electric car.

It garnered 91% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 90% for vulnerable road-user safety and 77% for its safety assistance technology.

Hyundai’s new fuel cell electric vehicle, the Nexo, was named the best of the large off-roaders, scoring 94% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 67% for vulnerable road-user safety and 80% for its safety assistance technology.

“In 2018 we introduced tough new tests, with a particular focus on vulnerable road user protection,” said Euro NCAP’s secretary general Michiel van Ratingen.

“The three best in class award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car-makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP’s assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements.

“Euro NCAP put automated driving technology to the test in 2018 for the first time and our findings helped clarify some of the confusion motoring consumers are currently experiencing.

“Assisted driving systems can bring safety and convenience benefits but full automation is a long way off. We will follow and assess these developments closely and ensure that consumers have all the information they need when considering these new driver technologies.”

“In the meantime our assessment Road Map presents some important challenges for vehicle manufacturers in the years ahead and we hope that all car-makers will rise to this opportunity as Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Hyundai have done this year.”