Euro NCAP have recently revealed the results of their 2022 van safety tests, and they are showing steady improvement. The ratings are based around testing each van model’s crash avoidance system, both in fitment and performance.
Compared to last year, we are seeing some gradual improvements over the equipment that was fitted in the vans in 2021, with a couple of manufacturers undergoing bigger overhauls to their systems.
Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) carries out tests on vans and cars on a yearly basis to rate their safety performance across several categories.
Crash avoidance systems can include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and other driver assistance modules that are designed to mitigate collisions. Anything that helps keep the van on the road or can react to changing situations can potentially be included.
Vans are rated bronze, gold, silver or platinum if they pass certain tests, with “not recommended” meaning the van is lacking in sufficient systems to meet the NCAP standards.
Safety Improvements
Both the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano received bronze ratings from the programme, while the Renault Trafic moved up to silver.
The Ford Transit 350 and Ford Transit Custom both received gold ratings, and both the Peugeot Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro were rated silver.
For many of these ratings, the test takes into account whether safety features are optional or not. In this regard, having optional AEB or lane assist (for example) could reduce the rating. A van fitted with all the safety features available would be far safer than the bottom-level variant.
Legislation
One of the difficulties with safety features in vans is that the legislation for them is not in place. As technology develops faster than legislation can be put in place, many safety recommendations are down to the manufacturers to implement. It is expected that more safety features will become standard as the legislation catches up.
Leasing
When looking at a van lease, safety features should be considered. As all van leases are brand new vehicles and, at the oldest, are the 2021 build spec, it is useful to use these ratings when choosing your new van.
As a general rule, the higher spec van lease will have the most safety features, along with other features and additional trim, but even the basic models pass NCAPs safety tests at the bronze rating.
