Chery: Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8
The latest Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 models from the Chinese carmaker Chery are well-equipped mid-size SUVs that are being launched in markets across Europe.
During Euro NCAP tests of the Tiggo 7, the results of which are shared with the three-row Tiggo 8, a flaw was uncovered with the curtain airbag, which runs along the side of the window area and is designed to protect occupants from striking their head and abdomen with the side of the vehicle in the event of a side impact.
It was found that the curtain airbag of the Tiggo 7 did not deploy correctly, reducing its ability to protect the head of a child in the back seat. The cause of the fault was identified, and Chery was given an opportunity to address the installation. However, after Chery had reassessed the component, Euro NCAP performed a retest and the curtain airbag failed to perform any better, this time becoming unclipped from the cant rail. These two consecutive incorrect airbag deployments have raised robustness concerns, and Euro NCAP has asked Chery to reevaluate the system’s design.
This finding led to the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 losing points from the overall score and dropping to four stars.
Ongoing challenges
Euro NCAP also found an issue with Hyundai’s latest electric Inster driver’s door. In the side-impact barrier test, the driver’s door was found to be unlatched after the test, meaning it could potentially open and compromise the safety of those in the cabin. Euro NCAP rated the Inster four stars.
The Ford Tourneo Courier returned for assessment following its original test in 2024, during which the protection of the rear passenger’s head was rated as poor in the full-width rigid barrier test, based on dummy readings showing deceleration.
The Tourneo Courier failed to score points for this test, leaving it with a three-star rating. Ford has since improved the restraint system for rear passengers, and the Tourneo Courier has now been upgraded to a four-star rating.
These test results show how it remains an ongoing challenge for car makers to achieve a five-star result.
Five-star ratings
Despite the challenges, however, five models did achieve a five-star rating.
The five models included the Polestar 4, an electric coupe-SUV; the Lynk & Co 02, a crossover SUV; the Omoda 9, a mid-range SUV; the Zeekr 7X, a small SUV; and the MG P9 EV, an electric pick-up truck. Each of these models performed well in testing.
In terms of protecting passengers in the event of an impact, the Polestar 4 impressed Euro NCAP and secured an adult occupant protection score of 92%. The MG P9 and Zeekr 7X scored 91% and the Lynk & Co 02 and Omoda 9 achieved 90%.
The model that ranked highest in the evaluation testing the vehicle’s ability to help drivers avoid an accident, with a capable electronic driver assistance system, was Lynk & Co’s 02, scoring 89%. The MG P9 and Zeekr 7X scored 83%.
“Since Euro NCAP began its work in 1997, car manufacturers have dramatically improved the safety of their products. But after the Covid-19 pandemic, and then the switch to electric cars, the economic conditions faced by the automotive industry have been challenging and remain tough,” said Aled Williams, program manager, Euro NCAP.
“Yet, the reduction of accidents and injuries on Europe’s roads remains a pressing issue for the industry, and safety still has a significant influence on consumers when choosing their next car. We know that it is a challenge to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating for a new car, but it remains a challenge worth meeting as the benefits go so much further than protecting those inside the vehicle. Safer cars also help protect other road users and can reduce the burden on nations’ emergency responders and health services,” Williams said.