Tesla’s Model Y set record safety scores in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash testing as electric vehicle (EV) newcomers Ora and Genesis also achieved five-star ratings.

Kia’s new Niro crossover was the only new EV featured in the latest round of tests not to achieve top marks, delivering a four-star result in standard form, which was topped up to five stars with the fitment of an optional ‘DriveWise’ safety pack, which adds a radar to the sensor-set.

The Model Y, reviewed in a recent AM car launch report, scored an impressive 97% rating in Adult Occupant Protection and near-perfect 98% in Safety Assist, with full points for its lane support and new cabin camera based driver monitoring system.

Euro NCAP said its camera-only Vision system performed remarkably well in preventing collisions with other cars, cyclists and pedestrians in track tests, meanwhile.

Commenting on the result Euro NCAP’s secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said: “Congratulations to Tesla for a truly outstanding, record-breaking Model Y rating. Tesla have shown that nothing but the best is good enough for them, and we hope to see them continue to aspire to that goal in the future.”

The new Genesis GV60 achieved a five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, while Great Wall’s Ora Cat hatchback – set to arrive in UK showrooms later this year as part of an import agreement with IM Group – also scored five stars.

Euro NCAP noted that Chinese manufacturers have, in the past, delivered mixed results in safety tests, but added: “Following in the footsteps of NIO, Lynk & Co and MG, Great Wall Motor demonstrates that it can produce cars that match the best that Europe has to offer.”

Michiel van Ratingen added: “We’ve seen good results from some Chinese manufacturers in the past, but also some very poor ones.

“This year, Euro NCAP will test more Chinese cars than it has ever done, and Great Wall really sets the standard for others to follow.”

Also subject to recent crash safety testing was Hyundai’s third-generation i20, which now shares the 2021 four star rating of the closely-related BAYON crossover.