Audi A6, VW Touareg Get Top Safety Scores

The Audi A6 and Volkswagen Touareg achieve a maximum five-star rating under the European New Car Assessment Program’s (Euro NCAP) enhanced safety regimen.

Two other vehicles tested in the latest round saw the Ford Tourneo Connect earn a four-star rating and the new Suzuki Jimny three stars.

Euro NCAP officials say the A6 and the Touareg score particularly well for vulnerable-road-user protection, including the safety-rating agency’s new requirements for cyclist-detecting automatic emergency braking (AEB).

“The Tourneo Connect compact panel van is an updated version of the vehicle last tested in 2013,” a Euro NCAP statement says. “It comes equipped with AEB and lane support as standard, even for commercial variants, making it stand out amid competition in this segment.

“The Suzuki Jimny scores a three-star rating, let down by its underwhelming driver-assistance systems.”

Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen says the results demonstrate that, as the agency’s test protocols become more demanding, a five-star rating remains an achievable if challenging objective for the auto industry.

“It is particularly positive and welcome that manufacturers are performing well in the assessment of vulnerable-road-user protection systems such as AEB for cyclists,” he says.

Euro NCAP now has tested six models equipped with this technology.

“These driver-assistance systems are the building blocks for potential automation in the future,” van Ratingen says. “Importantly, they offer tangible safety benefits today.”