Audi’s all-electric e-tron SUV among seven to get five-star safety rating

Audi’s new all-electric e-tron was one of seven vehicles to receive full marks in the latest round of Euro NCAP’s safety tests.

The large SUV fared particularly well for both adult and child occupant safety, scoring 91 and 85 per cent respectively – putting it on par with the Jaguar I-Pace, one of its key rivals.

A pair of petrol-electric hybrids were also tested in the form of the Lexus UX and Toyota Rav4 which, perhaps unsurprisingly coming from sister brands, received near-identical results across the board.

The Mazda 3 hatchback became just the fourth car to receive 98 per cent in the adult occupant safety sector, matching the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Volvo V40 and XC60. The Volkswagen T-Cross was not far behind, though, scoring 97 per cent in this department.

The other cars tested were the Renault Clio and Toyota Corolla – both of which scored top marks.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP says: “It is encouraging to see that all manufacturers did well, regardless of type of powertrain or class of vehicle tested.

‘New cars on the market continue to offer more advanced technology as standard, systems that were not even considered an option a few years ago.

“Vehicle manufacturers must respond on all levels to consumers’ expectations, but adding more safety is often challenged by market conditions. Despite this, we see the latest state-of-the-art safety technology being made standard on many of Europe’s best-selling family cars.”