The highly anticipated Tesla Model Y has scored top marks in Euro NCAP safety ratings, while the Genesis GV60 has also secured a five-star rating.

The Tesla Model Y was awarded outstanding all-round safety ratings, “stealing the show”

Built in Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory, the Model Y SUV was awarded outstanding all-round safety ratings.

It scored the highest grade ever seen in the Safety Assist category at 98% along with 2022’s highest Adult Occupant Protection score of 97% – setting the standard for emergency safety system performance, according to Thatcham Research.

Euro NCAP’s secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, added: “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.”

Meanwhile, the new electric Genesis GV60 continued the five-star success of the GV70 and GV80 models tested last year. But Euro NCAP noted there was some room for improvement in its protection of vulnerable road users.

Euro NCAP also tested two newcomers from China’s Great Wall Motor Company – the Ora Funky Cat and the Wey Coffee 01, both achieving five stars – which Thatcham Research said was “comforting news for those who were concerned that an influx of new market entrants from China might bring the safety standard down”.

The new Kia Niro was awarded four stars with standard equipment, but five when fitted with the optional safety pack.

It’s also worth noting that all the cars tested in this group are EVs, as electrified powertrains continue to dominate the market.

Matthew Avery, chief research strategy officer at Thatcham Research, said: “It’s reassuring to see that EVs are continuing to match, if not exceed, the safety performance of their petrol-powered counterparts.”

Finally, the third-generation Hyundai i20 scored the 2021 four-star rating of the closely-related Bayon, while Euro NCAP added the new Stellantis electric MPVs – the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Opel/Vauxhall Combo e-Life and the Peugeot e-Rifter – to the 2018 results of their combustion-engined counterparts.