Many consumers believe that self-driving cars and the possibility of owning them are just around the corner, but they are not yet available for purchase in the European car market. However, many new cars are already equipped with the precursor technology that enables the successful operation of automated cars. This technology exists as an assisted driving option in around 90% of new cars and helps drivers stay safe. As part of its rating programme, Euro NCAP has been evaluating driver assistance systems for the past three years, and the latest batch of ratings reveal just how good these systems are. Today, Euro NCAP publishes the results of the classifications of three vehicles: the Renault Austral, Nissan Ariyaand the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Research has shown that unintentionally leaving a lane and leaving the freeway due to distraction or drowsiness, or colliding with the car in front are the two most common accidents that can happen to drivers when driving on a highway. Assisted driving systems when used correctly help address these situations by keeping drivers alert and addressing actions resulting from fatigue. These systems can steer the car within its lane and ensure it maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front, giving the car time to brake safely.
However, these systems, while supporting the driver, are not there to take on the role of driver. Euro NCAP strongly encourages a collaborative or balanced approach where car and driver work hand in hand to share the driving task.
If the technology/system works properly in the context of this balanced approach, then it is a real contribution to safe driving, if not or there is a lack of communication on both sides, drivers can put themselves at risk or others in danger. Euro NCAP uses some track-based assessments to measure system performance. The tests assess the vehicles’ competence with steering and braking, how collaborative the system is (to avoid dangerous over-reliance), and finally, if things go wrong, how well the car can avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Finally, the information (marketing material and literature) that is given to the consumer and how the driver is trained on its use is reviewed. The Euro NCAP rating consists of two focus areas and five rating levels. Assistance competence (which includes driver participation and vehicle assistance) i Backup (measure of how the vehicle responds when systems fail).
The latest ratings for this release reveal just how competent these systems are and demonstrate their growing prevalence in cars produced by major manufacturers. The stunning protagonists of today’s post are the Renault Austral Active Driver Assist and Nissan Ariya ProPILOT Assist systems, which they both achieved Really good qualifications The Austral’s system achieved the highest points of any Renault assisted driving system tested by Euro NCAP to date. The cars impressed the test engineers with their full scores of 25 points in the collaborative driving tests which suggest that these vehicles work well with the driver and do not allow for over-reliance on the system. Also impressive is the systems ability to react to road features, slowing down for tighter bends and roundabouts, increasing driver safety while reducing fatigue. The Nissan will also slow down for junctions, another added bonus. However, the Renault finally reacts to other vehicles in a more complete way that allows it to achieve a slightly better score. Both vehicles have excellent safety safety systems and can be praised for accurately indicating the functionality and limitations of their system.
The promotional material of the Alfa Romeo Tonale active driving assistance made misleading references to automation that lowered its score, but the system was still balanced with modest levels of vehicle assistance and driver involvement and good safety scores, resulting in a moderate rating.
With assisted driving systems, Euro NCAP strongly advocates a collaborative approach between vehicle and driver to ensure that the driver’s eyes are always on the road and hands are primarily on the wheel, and that there is no chance of excessive dependence. We’re looking forward to seeing how the new cars meet our extended protocols for assisted driving in non-motorway conditions, which will be introduced next year.
Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP
Editor’s note
For complete results visit www.euroncap.com or Drafting of the Euro NCAP for journalists.
For media information, please contact Cordelia Wilson at media@euroncap.com.
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About Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP organizes crash and safety tests on new vehicles and offers motor consumers a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Founded in 1997 and supported by a number of European governments, motoring organisations, consumers and insurers, Euro NCAP has quickly become a catalyst for encouraging significant safety improvements in the design of new cars.
Euro NCAP ratings apply strictly to vehicles of the specifications offered in Europe. Ratings do not necessarily apply to models offered in other regions, even when sold under an identical name, as production specifications and equipment may vary.
