Euro NCAP recently tested new models from Audi, Dacia, Ford, MG, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, Tesla, Voyah and Volkswagen. Results? Hmm, let's call it mixed feelings. Audi A5 PHEV, Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tayron, MG MGS5 EV, Tesla Model 3, Toyota C-HR PHEV and Chinese newcomer Voyah COURAGE – all of these earned five stars without any problems. Bravo to them. But here's the first alarm: MG and Voyah are Chinese brands. Who would have thought, right? European EURO NCAP disgrace – let's see!

Tesla Model 3 – again an excellent car that doesn't compromise on safety – certain Europeans love them!

European EURO NCAP disgrace – Renault and Stellantis together – it's time to sober up

Renault 4 and Dacia Bigster – safety failure on “3” wheels

On the other side of the scale, the situation is rather sad. The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, the car that is supposed to revive the French legend, only scored four stars. Even worse, Renault's "budget" cousin, the Dacia Bigster, barely scratched three stars. Three! Do you know what a three-star rating means? This is a car that should be parked in a showroom, not on the road. Although cheap, it is not cheap enough to be worth risking the safety of the family.

Euro NCAP assesses protection in frontal, side and rear collisions, as well as pedestrian protection and other accident prevention systems. In this new set of tests, the worrying results of vehicle compatibility tests were particularly highlighted. The Audi Q5, for example, despite its five-star rating, is not exactly “gentle” in a frontal collision with a smaller car. However, its overall safety still beats Renault’s electric “hit” and Dacia’s off-road failure.

The Chinese are also taking the lead in security

The crux of the problem? Chinese brands are no longer just “cheaper copies” of European vehicles. Chinese manufacturers like MG and Voyah are not only catching up with European standards, they are even exceeding them. This is a disaster for the European car industry, which has long been considered the gold standard in safety. How did we get here? Perhaps because of overconfidence in our own superiority or because of sleepiness about innovation – probably both.

As Dr. Aled Williams from Euro NCAP stressed, it is essential that car manufacturers improve the compatibility of their vehicles, as a larger and heavier vehicle should not pose a greater risk to other vehicles on the road. The Renault 4 and Dacia Bigster should be cautionary tales in this context - European brands need to start taking safety more seriously.

Stellantis – average, not good enough

The cars from the Stellantis group didn't exactly shine either. The Opel/Vauxhall Grandland, Peugeot 3008 and 5008 stopped at four stars. It's not a disaster, but we expect more from giants like these. Especially when it's clear that Chinese competitors are already achieving top marks on the first try. Stellantis, it's time to stop being satisfied with average. This is the icing on the cake: European EURO NCAP disgrace

European EURO NCAP disgrace: Time for a sobering up for the European car industry

Let this serve as a cold shower to the European car giants: it's time to stop relying solely on tradition and nostalgia. Consumers want cars that are not only attractive and environmentally friendly, but above all safe. The next time we choose between Renault and MG, let's be clear: a brand's history means nothing if its safety is worse than that of its Chinese competitors.

And dear Renault and Dacia – stop fooling yourselves. Three stars is a disaster. Be better or get ready to be taken down by the Chinese soon consigned to automotive historyIt's time for Europe to wake up again and show who the real king of car safety is. For now, the crown hangs in Beijing.