EuroNCAP 2The Cupra Raval gets four stars, while its recently tested Chinese competition earns five.The Leapmotor B05, Aion UT, and Geely E2 all earned five stars in the latest Euro NCAP testing round. Volkswagen's Cupra Raval only earned four stars, but the score rises to five if an optional safety pack is purchased. Euro NCAP gave the Leapmotor and Aion lower safe driving scores because of the lack of buttons for their touch screen infotainment systems. Westerners have historically been skeptical of the quality and safety of Chinese cars. And the concern isn't entirely unwarranted, either. Just look at videos from the 2000s of cars like the Chery Amulet or Geely CK; these compact sedans failed miserably at crash tests. This perception has been a big black eye for Chinese brands that want to sell in Europe. But recent crash tests show that things are very different now. Euro NCAP, the region's main vehicle-testing organization, on Wednesday released the test results for four new small electric cars, including three Chinese ones. The Geely EX2, Leapmotor B05, and Aion UT all earned five-star ratings. The Cupra Raval, the VW Group brand's take on the new Volkswagen ID. Polo, got four. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe star rating can be adjusted up or down, depending on other features that don't necessarily have to do with the vehicle's crash structure or deformation performance. The results also include accident avoidance. The Raval doesn't have some of the standard crash avoidance features that come on the other cars, like forward traffic alert or adaptive cruise control. Euro NCAP did say that if an optional package of safety features is installed, it performs admirably and raises the overall score to five stars.EuroNCAP 1The EX2, B05, and UT all have those functions as standard, and they perform admirably. The Aion UT and Leapmotor B05's crash avoidance scores of 74% and 77%, respectively, beat the Raval's 72%. The Geely E2 matches the Cupra's with the option package. It's hard not to be impressed with the quality, design, or value of Chinese cars, especially for the prices they're selling for. For example, the Geely E2 starts just under €20,000 (about $23,000), making it one of the cheapest new EVs on sale in Europe. These lower prices have caused some to wonder if these brands are cutting corners on safety or build quality. But the data shows otherwise. This doesn't mean that Chinese cars are perfect. The B05 and UT both had criticism by Euro NCAP for being too touchscreen-heavy when it came to vehicle functions. This is reflected in the safe driving score, a part of the overall test that measures driver and occupant monitoring software, as well as the ease of use for vehicle functions on the move. The Aion and Leapmotor only scored 66% for the two. The team liked that the Geely has a few more buttons for key functions in its infotainment interface than the others, boosting its safe driving score to 79%. AdvertisementAdvertisementAt home, the Chinese government has made safety and quality a bigger priority after years of lightning-fast car releases from dozens of brands. Top government agencies are now scrutinizing potentially problematic car designs—like the electronic door handles that were the subject of a massive recall—more intensely. Plus, they are mandating factory audits to make sure these quickly developed cars aren't cutting corners when it comes to safety. Related ArticlesWatch What Happens When The Volvo EX60 Slams Into A PoleEVs Now Dominate Europe's Crash Safety ChartsThe BMW iX3 Just Aced Euro NCAP's Newer, Stricter Safety TestsXiaomi SU7's 5-Star Crash Rating: This Is China's Safest Car
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