The Europe New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has just published its third round of results for 2022. Among which, the Malaysia-bound Volvo C40 Recharge, Kia EV6, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have all scored the full five-star rating in the tests.
All three cars scored 90% or more in the Adult Occupant category, which ultimately became the difference maker between four- and five-stars in this round of results. Child Occupant protection meanwhile were rated at 89% for the Volvo C40 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and 86% for the Kia EV6.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stood out in the Vulnerable Road Users category, particularly in the performance at the front-end, thanks to its pop-up active bonnet that helps cushion the impact. Safety Assist systems meanwhile are right in the wheelhouse of the two electric cars, with the Volvo C40 scoring 89%, and the Kia EV6 scoring 86%.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was awarded an additional Euro NCAP Advanced award, thanks to its Car-to-X communication system which utilises data from other vehicles to warn drivers of potential hazards, before they could even be seen. Unfortunately, the system is not available here in Malaysia yet.
Volvo is particularly proud of its achievement, with the C40 continuing its streak of five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP tests. According to the carmaker, all of its tested models on sale today have received five stars in their respective Euro NCAP assessments.
“We always aim to be a leader in safety,” said Volvo Cars’ Head of Safety Centre, Malin Ekholm. “That means we adhere to strict safety standards in all of our cars, many of which we helped establish over time. No matter which Volvo you choose, you and your loved ones will drive one of the safest cars on the market.”
Both the Volvo C40 Recharge and Kia EV6 are destined for Malaysia, with the Volvo already confirmed for a launch this year.
Based on the XC40, the Volvo C40 will be powered by the same P8 twin motor set-up, with a total system output of 408 hp and 660 Nm. The motors are juiced by a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing the coupe crossover an estimated range of 420 km based on the WLTP scale.
The Kia EV6 meanwhile is offered in a multitude of powertrain options, but we expect the range-topping variant here in Malaysia to come with the all-wheel drive Long Range set-up, consisting of a 77.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors for a total system output of 325 hp and 605 Nm, alongside a range of roughly 506 km.