Chinese-made Qoros 3 trumps Euro NCAP
Whilst the world recognizes China’s emergence as an economic and industrial powerhouse, doubts persist over the quality and durability of Chinese products. At their best, Chinese firms have what it takes to compete with the world, but in equal measure exists Chinese business owners who are all to ready to fleece customers with substandard goods.
The more flattering half of Chinese industry came to the fore this week, as the newly-launched Qoros 3 compact sedan bagged a five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment programme, scoring an impressive 95% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child protection, 77% for pedestrian protection, and 81% for safety assist. The variant tested was a left-hand drive 1.6T Elegance five-door hatchback model.
According to Euro NCAP findings, the Qoros 3’s passenger cell remained structurally stable in all three impact tests – frontal, side barrier, and side pole. Readings from the test dummies indicated good protection in all bodily regions across a wide range of body sizes and seating positions. The Qoros 3 scored maximum in the side barrier test, and in the event of a rear impact, seat and head restraint was found to provide good protection against whiplash.
The Qoros 3 also scored maximum points for its protection of the 1 1/2- and 3-year old dummies in both the frontal and side impact tests. The child dummies were fitted into child seats, and the ease of installation was duly noted as a plus point. The passenger side frontal airbag can be disabled if a rearward-facing restraint seat is fitted and clear indication of the airbag status is made available to the driver.
For pedestrian protection, the Qoros 3’s front bumpers was found to provide good protection to the legs of pedestrians and it was duly awarded maximum points in this specific area. Depending on region, protection offered by the bonnet ranged between good and adequate, except for the stiff windscreen pillars, which were noted as hazardous to pedestrians.
Electronic stability control is standard fit in the Qoros 3, and its performance met Euro NCAP’s test requirements. Other safety systems highlighted by Euro NCAP’s report include seat belt reminders for the front and rear seats, as well as a driver-set speed limiter.
KON
Pictures: Official Euro NCAP release.
