Euro NCAP calls Avenger mediocre and lacking ambition.

THE sister organisation to New Zealand’s primary crash test evaluator has slammed the cheapest car Jeep sells here, saying the model’s poor star count reflects a lack of ambition.

The Jeep Avenger, which is currently being advertised for a launch special price of $49,990 in a First Edition guise, is set to wear a “mediocre” three-star rating in the latest round of tests conduced by Euro NCAP.

Five stars are the maximum score.

The small crossover was let down by poor scores for side-impact protection of 10-year-old rear occupants and the responsiveness of its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system. Euro NCAP also criticised its lack of a child presence detection system.

Jeep’s baby SUV did however score well for overall adult and child occupant protection, with Euro NCAP awarding ratings of 79 percent and 70 percent in each respective area.

Euro NCAP score carry weight with Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCA), which is part-funded by the NZ Government and whose ratings, also expressed as star counts, are most relevant with new cars sold here.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP now conduct the same tests; ANCAP often adopts Euro NCAP results.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen says the the results show “a clear lack of ambition” from Jeep.

“There is growing competition in the car industry, and (Jeep parent company) Stellantis has had to take several steps to secure the future of its brands.

“But safety should not be where a car manufacturer makes its savings.

“Euro NCAP will continue to highlight shortcomings in this area for the benefit of European car buyers.”

Stellantis has replied with statement saying it remained dedicated to offering customers clean, safe and affordable mobility with products that fulfil the most stringent regulations across the world.

“We strive to enhance the safety features of each new generation of vehicles. As part of our ongoing product improvement efforts, we consider the new third-party assessments and integrate proven technological solutions into our engineering process where relevant.

“Stellantis believes there is no single way to measure vehicle safety; third-party assessments are one of many inputs used when designing the safety of our vehicles.”

The Avenger uses the same platform and mechanicals as the Opel Mokka and Peugeot 2008 that sell in NZ. The Opel achieved four stars from when it was tested in 2021.

That score is now outdated, however. Euro NCAP its updated the testing regimen last year to include child presence detection systems, stricter standards for cars submerged in water and new technologies for recognition of vulnerable road users.