A European auto safety tester found several brands’ driver-assistance systems lacking, including one known for its safety features.

Four others aced the European New Car Assessment Programme testing, while two received midrange scores.

The evaluations sought to determine the partially automated systems’ user ease and safety. Partially automated driving systems have become more common but have met varying degrees of user satisfaction and trust as the technology develops.

Among the nine models Euro NCAP tested, the Kia EV3, Porsche Macan, Renault 5 and Toyota bZ4X earned flying colors, or “very good” ratings for their “exceptional balance between driver engagement and safety backup.”

Tesla’s Model S, Volvo’s EX30 and MG’s ZS, though, were given “moderate” ratings because they performed “poorly” when it came to the organization’s assistance competence measure. 

The Model S Autopilot system steering input resists driver override, and when the driver does take over steering, the system automatically disengages, said  Euro NCAP, which also downgraded the model because it considers its name misleading by suggesting it’s fully automated.

“Given the excellent 94% score that Autopilot achieves for Safety Backup, the 30% Assistance Competence score should disappoint Tesla,” Euro NCAP said.

“A well-designed system will co-operate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks,” “said Euro NCAP AD/ADAS Technical Manager Adriano Palao, who added that the Autopilot name “could have potential safety implications.”

The group found similar issues with Volvo’s EX30 Pilot Assist system, along with both models featuring a centrally mounted touchscreen, which it said forces the driver to take his or her eyes off the road to see alert messages. It deemed Pilot Assist’s promotion of hands on the steering wheel unsafe since it’s not locked out after multiple hands-off alerts.

Between the top-rated models and the three Euro NCAP dinged are the Mazda CX-80 and the XPeng G9, a midsize crossover of the Chinese electric carmaker. Both received “good” ratings. 

The CX-80’s quick-start guide doesn’t mention the system’s limitations, and its Cruising and Traffic Assistance system’s hands-on-the-steering-wheel sensor was deemed non-robust. It also doesn’t adapt speed for road features other than stop signs, the tester said.

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