Euro NCAP officials have been on an electric car crash test spree of late, recently putting the likes of the Tesla Model Y, the Genesis GV60, and the Kia Niro.
One of the most notable recent 5-star ratings went to the Ora Good Cat; a fully electric hatch set for its New Zealand debut later this year (badged in Europe as the Funky Cat).
The Great Wall Motors EV was given a 5-star rating during Euro NCAP’s latest round of testing; earning a 92 for Adult Occupant Protection, 83 for Child Occupant Protection, 74 for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 93 for Safety Assist.
It was one of two Chinese EVs to be awarded the top rating this month, with the Wey Coffee 01 also earning five stars. Although unlike the Good Cat, it has yet to be confirmed for New Zealand.
The Good Cat’s strong results help continue to right the wrongs of Great Wall from its past. The brand has previously been warned against by some groups over a poor safety record, led by the Great Wall Steed’s 2-star rating in 2017.
The Chinese marque appears to have turned things around significantly. The Steed’s replacement, the Cannon, has a 5-star rating. And now, so does the Good Cat.
“We’ve seen good results from some Chinese manufacturers in the past, but also some very poor ones,” says Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen.
“This year, Euro NCAP will test more Chinese cars than it has ever done and Great Wall really sets the standard for others to follow.
“Also, congratulations to Tesla for a truly outstanding, record-breaking Model Y rating. Tesla have shown that nothing but the best is good enough for them, and we hope to see them continue to aspire to that goal in the future.”
