The Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo is one of the safest vans ever tested by Euro NCAP, gaining a ‘platinum’ rating by the organisation.
The funky ID.Buzz Cargo is one of eight compact panel vans to be tested in 2024, with all receiving either a gold or platinum rating.
Vans are tested differently to cars, with the focus specifically on crash avoidance technology, rather than the crashes themselves. Euro NCAP says this is because ‘by far’ the majority of casualties involved with vans are with the ‘opponent vehicle or vulnerable road users’. The safety organisation however said it’s ‘concerning’ that much of this equipment remains optional and is urging manufacturers to do more. Let’s take a look at the latest safety ratings and what they mean.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo and Mercedes Citan get highest platinum rating
Euro NCAP rarely hands out its platinum ratings for vans, with only one other current van having this, the Ford Transit Courier. It’s why both the Volkswagen ID.Buzz – the firm’s new purpose-built electric van – and Mercedes Citan receiving top honours is particularly noteworthy.
The ID.Buzz Cargo received an 83% ‘safety assist performance’, and was praised highly for its standard safety kit. Though the Mercedes Citan’s 87% score on paper ranks higher, it loses points because many of its safety assists are still extras.
What other vans were tested in this latest round by Euro NCAP?
Euro NCAP’s latest tests focus primarily on the smallest vans, most of which have an equivalent passenger version.
The Renault Kangoo was the next highest ranking with a 78% safety performance rating, followed by the Volkswagen Caddy with 68%. The large Stellantis group of compact vans, incorporating the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo also each scored a 62% rating.
Euro NCAP says van manufacturers must do more
Car manufacturers have stepped up their game when it comes to safety, largely driven through regulation, but van firms haven’t been quite as progressive.
Euro NCAP says it is ‘concerned’ about the ‘limited availability of vans equipped with crash-avoidance technologies’, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist. It also added that its team ‘struggled to source vans fitted with these options for the testing’.
Aled Williams, programme director of Euro NCAP, said: ‘Van manufacturers often offer safety technologies but rarely encourage buyers to specify this vital equipment that could save lives. By making customers pay for extra safety technology without promoting the benefits, safety technology becomes a bargaining tool.’
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