2016 saw the introduction of some significant changes to Euro NCAP’s ratings scheme. The inclusion of tests for pedestrian-detecting autobrake systems drove a huge increase in fitment of this technology, mostly as standard equipment but also as an option.

The Toyota Prius was the first car to undergo tests of its AEB Pedestrian technology. Its standard-fitted safety pack, “Toyota Safety Sense”, performed well and managed to recognize and avoid or mitigate potential crashes with pedestrians. The excellent performance of the SEAT Ateca in these tests was also noted.

The Ioniq’s standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system provided additional protection against whiplash injury. In Euro NCAP’s tests, the system scored full points, avoiding collisions against a stationary car at all test speeds.

The Tiguan also has an autonomous emergency braking system as standard and tests showed it to be good at avoiding or mitigating low speed accidents where whiplash injuries are often caused. The autonomous emergency braking system is also able to detect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and performed well in Euro NCAP’s tests of this functionality.

While “Best in Class” is based only on cars with standard safety equipment, several car manufacturers took advantage of Euro NCAP’s new dual rating system in 2016. In addition to a star rating indicating the safety of a car with only standard safety equipment, a second rating demonstrates the benefits of optional safety equipment. In general, the optional ‘safety pack’ includes AEB, including pedestrian-detecting auto-brake systems, and the scheme was used for Superminis, Small Family Cars and one Pickup—competitive segments that might well otherwise have missed out on advanced driver assistance technologies.

Some technologies are expensive and we recognized that it may not be possible for manufacturers to include them as standard equipment across the range and, at the same time, keep basic variants affordable for the target market. The dual rating scheme lets them phase in sales more gradually, keeping cars affordable but, at the same time, giving consumers the chance to take advantage of these important safety technologies. We’re pleased to see such a broad uptake of pedestrian-detecting AEB systems in 2016, as standard or as an option.

—Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen