Today, the New Car Assessment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, known as Latin NCAP, released the second round of crash test results for 2024. The Chevrolet Groove received a disappointing zero-star rating, while the Volkswagen T-Cross achieved an impressive five stars.
The Chevrolet Groove, manufactured in China, earned zero stars. This SUV, which comes standard with 4 airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), scored 39.42% in Adult Occupant protection, 68.57% in Child Occupant protection, 36.37% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users, and 58.14% in Safety Assist. The Groove was the best-selling SUV in Chile for at least a year and underwent assessments for frontal and side impacts, whiplash, pedestrian protection, and ESC.
During the frontal impact test, the structure and footwell area showed instability, giving only marginal protection to the driver’s chest, knees, and feet. Although side protection was rated good for all body regions, the side impact test revealed significant intrusion into the passenger compartment. The vehicle does not include side head protection as standard. While child occupant tests were nearly perfect in dynamic scenarios, some child restraint systems faced installation challenges. Pedestrian protection tests indicated weak and marginal head protection, poor upper leg protection, and varying results in lower leg protection, with good and marginal areas noted. Importantly, the Groove does not feature any ADAS technologies, even as options.
The Volkswagen T-Cross, made in Brazil, achieved five stars. This model includes 6 airbags and ESC as standard and offers optional ADAS features that will soon be standard in select markets, achieving scores of 92.31% in Adult Occupant protection, 89.80% in Child Occupant protection, 65.62% in Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users, and 84.96% in Safety Assist. The assessment included frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, ESC, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for Vulnerable Road Users (VRU), AEB City, AEB Interurban, and Speed Assist System (SAS).
Overall, the T-Cross demonstrated solid performance with stable structures during frontal impacts. It provided adequate to good protection for adults in both dynamic frontal and side impact tests, although chest protection during the side pole impact was rated marginal. The whiplash test showed borderline marginal neck protection. Pedestrian protection was generally adequate to good for most hood areas, with adequate lower leg protection but mostly poor or weak upper leg protection. The three AEB systems tested performed well, and the SAS met the necessary technical standards, being fitted as standard. While Lane Support Systems and Blind Spot Detection are available as optional features, they did not qualify for scoring.
This rating is applicable to Volkswagen T-Cross units with a tenth digit of the VIN number as either an S or any consecutive letters. The model was tested as a voluntary initiative by the manufacturer.
Latin NCAP evaluates the most basic passive safety specifications of vehicles and strongly advises purchasing versions with well-performing ADAS technologies.
Alejandro Furas, Secretary General of Latin NCAP, stated:
“Volkswagen excels in safety performance with the T-Cross, demonstrating to consumers that five-star models are attainable even in smaller segments. In contrast, Chevrolet falls short with the Groove, which contradicts the manufacturers’ policy of equipping models with 6 airbags and ensuring good safety performance. We urge GM to enhance the Groove’s safety standards or replace it promptly. Independent consumer testing has historically driven safety improvements faster than regulations in Latin America and the Caribbean. A mandatory safety labeling system could facilitate essential market changes. We are still awaiting action from governments.”
Stephan Brodziak, Chairman of Latin NCAP, remarked:
“We urgently call on Chevrolet to rectify the significant safety issues with the Chevrolet Groove, which earned a zero-star rating despite its popularity in Latin America. Latin NCAP’s tests revealed structural instability and marginal protection for adult occupants, as well as poor pedestrian safety and a lack of crucial technologies like ADAS. As the best-selling SUV in Chile, its extensive use poses considerable risks to consumers.”
We encourage Chevrolet to prioritize safety by improving structural integrity, enhancing occupant protection, and ensuring that all Groove variants are equipped with advanced safety features. We strongly recommend that consumers avoid this model until substantial improvements are made and validated through testing. Additionally, we urge regional governments to establish a vehicle safety labeling system that provides clear and accessible information about the safety performance of cars available on the market. This initiative would support more informed purchasing decisions and elevate safety standards across the region.
SOURCE: Latin NCAP
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