The Range Rover Velar has shone in the latest set of crash tests performed by safety body Euro NCAP.
Range Rover’s new crossover model not only gained a top five-star safety rating, but earned extra praise from the testers with its suite of standard-fit active safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking. EuroNCAP describes the new compact SUV as ‘ one of the best overall performers, with good results in all aspects of safety.’
The Velar is the 15th SUV tested by Euro NCAP since the start of 2016, reflecting the mushrooming popularity of the segment, but Matthew Avery, director of research at Euro NCAP’s UK member Thatcham Research, says that the Range Rover model’s performance stood out.
“Modern SUVs perform consistently well in impact testing, particularly for adult occupant protection,” Avery says. “The Velar however not only performs well in a crash – especially in Euro NCAP’s exacting side impact test – but also in active safety, with its suite of standard-fit technologies designed to avoid the crash happening at all.”
The Velar’s assisted safety feature score of 75% rates some 7% above average for the SUVs tested since January 2016.
Strong standard safety
Thatcham Research was recently among motoring bodies calling for greater standard fitment of Autonomous Emergency Braking, which is said to have the potential to cut rear-end collisions by 38%. The Velar includes Interurban Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard, alongside an Adaptive Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warnings and seat-belt reminders for all passengers.
“Following five-star ratings for the Discovery and Discovery Sport, this is another signal from Jaguar Land Rover that safety is a priority,” Avery adds.
“With small SUV sales set to break the two million barrier in 2018, it’s exciting to see one of the leading carmakers in the category deliver on standard-fit active safety systems.”
