Thatcham Research reveals What Car? Safety Award shortlist

The shortlist for the What Car? Safety Award 2024 has been announced.

The five cars that have made the list were selected based on their Euro NCAP test scores as well safety systems such as active and passive safety technology.

Thatcham Research principal engineer and judge Alex Thompson said: “In 2023 we had new automotive brands enter the UK market, but thankfully that did not mean a compromise on safety performance. With the notably expanded safety requirements and new test scenarios from Euro NCAP, it is ever more impressive that both new and established brands took the challenge head on and delivered high achieving safety scores across a wide variety of vehicles.

“Vehicle manufacturers must also receive credit for listening to consumers and designing safety systems that support the driver and work with them collaboratively, a challenging task when combined with complex testing and assessments.”

Meanwhile, fellow judge and Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen, said: “Last year, Euro NCAP released 18 car safety ratings, which underwent even more rigorous safety testing than usual due to updates in Euro NCAP requirements for collision avoidance, crash protection and post-crash safety.

“We also included the evaluation of vehicle submergence counter measures in the updated 2023 rating. We must congratulate the short-listed manufacturers on their response to these updates – they continue to prioritise safety and make the latest solutions available for consumers. The What Car? Awards is an important recognition of their efforts.”

The five cars on the list are the BMW 5 Series, BYD SEAL, Lexus RZ, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Volkswagen ID.7.