Euro NCAP engineers put assisted driving systems to the test on three new vehicles

Euro NCAP has evaluated assisted driving systems in three new vehicles in its latest study.

The independent crash test safety body looked at the Renault Austral, Nissan Ariya, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The Renault Austral Active Driver Assist and the Nissan Ariya ProPILOT Assist systems both achieved ‘very good’ gradings.

The cars impressed test engineers with their full 25-point scores in the collaborative driving tests suggesting that the vehicles work well with the driver and do not allow over reliance on the system.

Also noted as impressive were the systems’ ability to react to road features, slowing down for tighter corners and roundabouts adding to the driver’s safety whilst reducing fatigue.

The Nissan also slowed for junctions, another added benefit.  However, test engineers said the Renault ultimately reacted to other vehicles in a more “comprehensive manner” allowing it to achieve a slightly better score.

Euro NCAP said the promotional material for the Alfa Romeo Tonale Active Driving Assist made misleading references to automation that lowered its score, but the system was still balanced with modest levels of vehicle assistance and driver engagement and good safety back-up scores, resulting in a ‘moderate’ grading.

Research has shown that leaving a lane unintentionally and going off the highway due to distraction or drowsiness, or running into the car in front are the two most common crashes that might potentially occur to drivers when driving on a highway.

“Assisted Driving systems when used properly help address these situations, by keeping drivers alert and addressing actions resulting from fatigue,” said Euro NCAP in a statement.

“These systems can steer the car within its lane and ensure the maintenance of a safe distance from the vehicle in front allowing the car time to safely brake.

“However, these systems, although supporting the driver are not there to take over the driving role.  Euro NCAP strongly encourages a collaborative or balanced approach where car and driver work hand in hand to share the driving task.”