Euro NCAP has published its first test results for 2019, which brought five-star ratings for the Seat Tarraco, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Honda CR-V SUVs.

The CR-V scored a five-star rating along with the G-Class and Tarraco

The results highlighted the high scores for protection offered in the event of a crash and safety technology to avoid a crash happening in the first place.

Michiel van Ratingen, secretary general of Euro NCAP, said: “Here we have three new vehicles, competing in the same segment and getting top safety ratings. That’s impressive enough but the fact that all three off-roaders are equipped with pedestrian and cyclist AEB systems really demonstrates the power of consumer testing not only to encourage better performance but also to promote new technologies as standard-fit across Europe.”

Commenting on the results, Matthew Avery, director of research at Euro NCAP member Thatcham Research, said: “Last year we saw a couple of off-road vehicles with crash performance undermining their rugged looks. The three SUVs kicking off 2019’s Euro NCAP programme all performed very well in impact and collision avoidance tests. The Seat Tarraco’s 97% score for Adult Occupant Protection is notable and will be the target for 2019, which looks like being a bumper year with many new models being tested.”

The Honda CR-V achieved a 93% Adult Occupant score, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was awarded 90%.

Avery continued: “It’s also good to see the Mercedes-Benz G-Class achieve that tricky balance of keeping the charm of an old classic, while uplifting its safety performance. Drivers should expect nothing less than top level safety considering that the Mercedes A-Class was one of the very best tested last year.

“These vehicles are also setting a safety technology marker. All three have standard-fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) which operates effectively at different speeds and can detect pedestrians and cyclists. We’d expect all carmakers to fit AEB as standard on new models released in 2019, whatever the segment.

“This important safety technology that Euro NCAP has advocated since 2012 will now be standard fit in Europe following the recent announcement of the new European General Safety Regulations.”

The three cars tested also have different Speed Assistance technologies; a topical subject after European Parliament MEPs voted last week in favour of mandated standard-fitment on new vehicles in future, along with other technologies like AEB.

Avery added: “Euro NCAP gives extra points for vehicles that include Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). Some speed limiter systems allow the driver to set and maintain a certain limit. Useful, but cars with ISA identify the limit via a camera and mapping and can actively prevent the car from exceeding this speed – it’s a great safety aid and makes town limits and 50mph motorway restrictions less of a chore.”

The European Transport Safety Council estimates that making speed limiters mandatory will reduce traffic collisions by 30% and could save 25,000 lives within 15 years of being introduced.