Hyundai Nexo scores maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Photo Courtesy: Autocar

The Hyundai Nexo has scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating to become the first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to achieve this safety standard.

The large SUV achieved the result in the latest round of testing conducted by Euro NCAP, with a 94 per cent rating for adult occupant safety. As well as the Hyundai, the Lexus ES hybrid, Mazda 6 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class also achieved maximum five-star scores.

“Nexo’s five-star rating should dissipate concerns around how hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars perform in a crash,” said Matthew Avery from Thatcham Research, the only British firm that conducts Euro NCAP testing. The Nexo was the first FCEV tested by Euro NCAP

Avery praised the automatic emergency braking systems on the Nexo and A-Class, which can detect pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s pleasing to see that car makers across all categories are stepping up and working with Euro NCAP to do more to protect our more vulnerable road users,” said Avery.

The Mazda 6 was singled out for it high adult occupant protection score of 95 per cent, the second-highest score in that category by a car in 2018 behind the Volxo XC40 (97 per cent).

The mechanically identical Peugeot Rifter, Citroën Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo MPVs all received four-star ratings. The report noted that they scored well in terms of occupant protection but achieved lower scores for vulnerable road user protection.