Chinese SUV BYD Atto 3 hits record low in safety test
The Euro NCAP organization, which evaluates the safety of new vehicles, recently assessed the driver assistance systems in several new market entries. One model, in particular, performed exceptionally poorly.
9:38 AM EDT, October 28, 2024
The model in question is the Chinese SUV, BYD Atto 3, which concluded the test with the lowest score in the history of these evaluations, earning zero stars. This poor result was linked to the performance of the adaptive cruise control system, which the Chinese brand refers to as Intelligent Cruise Control.
Tests indicated that the system does not function intelligently despite its name and could pose a safety risk. According to Euro NCAP, the extremely low score is the system's inability to take control of the vehicle when the driver is inactive. More details can be found here.
In emergencies, such as when a driver is incapacitated, the system ceases to maintain the vehicle's trajectory but fails to deactivate the cruise control. The potential consequences of such an oversight are concerning. Other features available in the model also received low ratings, including systems like road sign recognition and collision avoidance.
On a brighter note, BYD's passive safety level is significantly better. In crash tests conducted in 2022, the vehicle achieved a five-star rating. To achieve true success, the car needs reliable electronic systems. Hopefully, Chinese manufacturers will work swiftly to improve this aspect.
