Euro NCAP releases the latest set of  safety ratings, focusing on three new cars and one new variant.

The Škoda ENYAQ iV and Volkswagen ID.4 both receive a top five-star rating. However, the lower budget Dacia Sandero Stepway is gets a two-star rating, the same rating as the saloon version of the vehicle, the Logan. The plug-in hybrid derivative of the Cupra Formentor also attains a five-star rating.

German engineering

The ENYAQ iV is Škoda’s first ground-up all-electric vehicle. It uses the same MEB platform – VW Group’s modular platform for battery electric vehicles – that is used for the new Volkswagen ID.4 and the ID.3.  Both ENYAQ iV and ID.4 turn in impressive performances, separated by no more than a few points in the overall assessment. Robust structures protect occupants and the high-voltage battery. Meanwhile, frontal, curtain and centre airbags fitted as standard mean both cars achieve a score of over 90% for adult occupant protection.

Compared to the smaller ID.3, the ID.4 and ENYAQ iV hold more appeal for family buyers. There is more space, and high marks in child occupant protection, as well as for the protection of vulnerable road users and for safety assistance. VW also fit Local Hazard Warning as standard equipment on the ID.4, though not yet available on the ENYAQ iV.

Škoda ENYAQ iV - Euro NCAP Results April 2021 - 5 starsVW ID.4 - Euro NCAP Results April 2021 - 5 stars

Cheap and cheerful?

By contrast, the Dacia Sandero Stepway and Logan remain true to the budget brand’s ‘no-frills’ ethos. This includes a pared-down safety specification. The basic, radar-only autonomous emergency braking system only reacts to other vehicles (soon a legal requirement). It is not designed to prevent crashes with pedestrians or cyclists and there is no lane support. However, crash protection is respectable and provides four-star performance.

Dacia Sandero Stepway - Euro NCAP Results April 2021 - 2 starsDacia Logan - Euro NCAP Results April 2021 - 2 stars

A moving picture

“Safety has moved on”, says Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP, “and the biggest strides forward are now being made by using high-tech to prevent accidents from happening. Clearly, Dacia have found their market and they’re sticking to it. But a two-star rating shows little ambition, even for a low-cost product. Their decision not to offer a camera clearly is out of step with the market and disappointing. Dacia are aware that their cars will soon have to comply with the new General Safety Regulation. Škoda and VW, on the other hand, show what can be achieved and Euro NCAP applaud them for offering their customers the highest level of safety.”