Qoros 3 Saloon Sets Euro NCAP Benchmark for 2013
Qoros becomes the first Chinese brand to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with the Qoros 3 Saloon posting the highest overall score of any car tested in 2013.
The Qoros 3 Saloon has achieved the highest overall score in the 2013 Euro NCAP safety tests, becoming the first car from a Chinese manufacturer to secure a five-star rating under the scheme. The result marks a turning point for Chinese-built vehicles in Europe, which have previously struggled in independent crash assessments.
Euro NCAP awarded the Qoros 3 a 95% score for Adult Occupant protection, which placed it at the top of all vehicles tested that year. The car also achieved 87% for Child Occupant safety, 77% for Pedestrian protection and 81% for its suite of safety assist technologies. These results put the Qoros 3 ahead of established European and Japanese rivals in the 2013 testing cycle.
A breakthrough for Chinese engineering
The Qoros 3’s performance is notable given the history of Chinese models in previous Euro NCAP tests. Earlier attempts by Chinese manufacturers had resulted in poor scores, often due to inadequate crash structures and limited safety equipment. The Qoros 3, developed with a focus on international standards, features a reinforced passenger cell, multiple airbags, Isofix child seat anchors with top tether hooks, and a standard passenger airbag disconnect switch.
Euro NCAP praised the Qoros 3’s robust passenger compartment, highlighting its ability to maintain structural integrity in both frontal and side impact tests. The inclusion of advanced safety assist systems such as electronic stability control and seatbelt reminders contributed to its high marks in active safety.
Comparison with other 2013 five-star cars
- Adult Occupant: 95%
- Child Occupant: 87%
- Pedestrian: 77%
- Safety Assist: 81%
Implications for buyers and the Chinese car industry
For European buyers, the Qoros 3’s results provide reassurance that Chinese-built cars can now compete with established brands on safety. The five-star rating is also likely to influence perceptions of Chinese vehicles, which have often been associated with lower standards in the past. For Qoros and other Chinese manufacturers, the result demonstrates that it is possible to meet or exceed the most demanding international safety benchmarks, potentially opening doors to wider acceptance in Western markets.
The Qoros 3’s strong showing in Euro NCAP testing sets a new reference point for Chinese brands seeking to enter Europe and other markets with strict safety requirements. It remains to be seen how quickly other manufacturers will follow suit, but the Qoros 3’s achievement in 2013 has already reshaped expectations for the segment.
