On December 4, 2024, the results of the Euro NCAP crash tests were made public. Among the cars tested was the electric Renault 5, presented as one of the most anticipated models of the year.
Created in 1997, the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) program is today the standard for assessing the safety of new vehicles. The independent organization tests dozens of models each year, evaluating their ability to protect occupants, vulnerable users and their ability to prevent accidents using driving aids.
Main criteria for Euro NCAP assessments
- Protection of adult occupants : Analysis of potential injuries in the event of a frontal or side collision.
- Child protection : Tests carried out with models representing different ages.
- Safety of vulnerable users : Protection of pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.
- Driving aids : Emergency braking, lane keeping and other technologies reducing the risk of accidents.
Renault 5: mixed performance
Protection of adult occupants: areas for improvement
With a score of 80%, the Renault 5 showed notable shortcomings in this category. In frontal collisions, driver torso protection was rated average. The driver's and front passenger's knees and shins were also rated poorly. During side impacts, another defect appeared: the driver's head risks hitting the opposite door, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
Child protection: a model to follow
In this category, the electric city car shone with an almost perfect score of 90%.. It offers excellent protection during frontal and side impacts, but the absence of mountings for certain child seats slightly reduces its overall score.
Driving aids: a serious handicap
Where the problem really lies is in the driver assistance systems. With a score of 68%, the Renault 5 is penalized by several shortcomings:
- Emergency braking : ineffective in certain scenarios, notably when faced with pedestrians crossing the road at night.
- Driver attention monitoring : deemed insufficient by Euro NCAP.
- No door opening warning : a lack which could have improved the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Protection of vulnerable users: a weak point
With 76%, the Renault 5 is below expectations. Its design, particularly its short hood, exposes pedestrians to serious injuries in the event of an impact. In addition, the car does not always effectively detect cyclists and pedestrians during nighttime maneuvers.
Euro NCAP:other electric models do much better
While the Renault 5 struggles to obtain 5 stars, other models have excelled this year. Here is a comparative table of the performances of several vehicles:
| Model | Euro NCAP rating | Points forts | Weak points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 electric | 4 stars | Child protection | Emergency braking, hood design |
| Porsche Macan electric | 5 stars | Advanced driving aids | High price |
| Volvo EX30 | 5 stars | Protection of vulnerable users | Expensive options |
| Alpine A290 | 4 stars | Sporty design | Weak driving aids |
A challenge for Renault: rediscover excellence
Despite this result, Renault remains a manufacturer recognized for its advances in safety. For example, models like the Mégane E-Tech or the Scénic E-Tech recently obtained 5 stars. So, why do the Renault 5 and its sporty variant Alpine A290 struggle to convince?
Euro NCAP noted that small cars have more difficulty achieving the maximum rating. This is explained by:
- Design constraints : Short hoods, reduced spaces to integrate safety technologies.
- Limited profit margins : Less budget to include state-of-the-art equipment.
Can Renault bounce back?
To regain consumer confidence, the manufacturer must:
- Improve driving aids by integrating more advanced systems.
- Review the design to better protect pedestrians.
- Maintain its high standards for future electric models.
The Renault 5 is far from being a dangerous car. With 4 stars, it remains a safe city car, but the manufacturer will have to respond to criticism for its future models. As competition strengthens, Renault will have to innovate to remain competitive.
