Amongst some standout performers, the Mazda MX30 REV offers the everyday solution for range anxiety

The ratings released today, in Green NCAP’s last release for the year, cover the following cars: the MAZDA MX-30, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, the Tesla Model 3, the Hyundai KONA, the Dacia Duster, the BYD ATTO 2 and finally, the CHERY OMODA5.

Green NCAP tested the MAZDA MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV, which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The Japanese automaker reintroduces a ‘series’ powertrain architecture in the vehicle, where the electric motor always drives the wheels, and the car operates as a purely electric vehicle as long as electricity is available in the battery. Due to its relatively large capacity of 17.8 kWh, the MX-30 R-EV can drive in electric mode for long distances – Green NCAP measured up to 81 km in pure electric range. Eventually, when the battery is empty, the combustion engine – a rotary generator – works as a range extender, delivering the necessary power to the electric motor. Unfortunately, Green NCAP results show that the combustion mode is not favourable – emissions and consumption are high, however, for those drivers with range anxiety, this would cover the journey until they got home to recharge. The performance of the electric mode contributes 60% to the total score and offsets the weaknesses of the combustion mode, which accounts for 40% of the score. With a weighted Average Score of 64%, the MX-30 e-SKYACTIV R-EV scores a worthy 3½ Green Stars.

Green NCAP also tested another plug-in hybrid, the 2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e, a compact SUV targeting an audience looking for high everyday comfort, luxury, and functionality. The GLA has lots to boast about – the car is so far the cleanest car Green NCAP has ever tested with a petrol engine on board. Most everyday trips can be covered in electric mode. With its 11.7 kWh fully charged battery, Green NCAP measured a pure electric range of 51 km in the standard mixed On-Road Drive and almost 67 km in the Light Load On-Road test. In the dynamic Heavy Load Test with sport vehicle settings, the electric system aims to support the combustion engine with a quick blast of power rather than to provide an electric driving range. The Mercedes GLA 250e achieves a weighted Average Score of 57% and 3 Green Stars.

With its new facelift, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa is a full electric supermini (BEV), all set to show off its efficiency achievements. Green NCAP tested the 115-kW version, equipped with an optional 11 kW on-board charger. The vehicle only weighs 1.5 tonnes and comes with an appropriately-sized battery of 51 kWh usable capacity – a value confirmed by Green NCAP. The Corsa achieves the lowest ever consumption figures in Green NCAP’s standard Cold and Warm Lab Tests. Also, the Highway and -7°C Cold Ambient Tests electricity demand values are among the best seen. The Corsa’s achievements do not end here – the tests show that 91% of the electricity taken from the grid is available for use at battery output, a value higher than the usual average of 88-89%. A concern is that the car’s high performance in testing comes potentially at the expense of cabin heating – other electric vehicles heat up much faster and higher than this one. However, the Corsa receives an Average Score of 99% and collects all 5 Green Stars, becoming one of the most energy-efficient electric vehicles Green NCAP has ever tested.

Back in 2022, Green NCAP tested the Tesla Model 3 (BEV) for the first time and the vehicle set new standards in energy efficiency. Its results today are even more striking. Green NCAP tested the rear-wheel-drive version and although its mass of 1,763 kg doesn’t make it light-weight, the car’s efficient powertrain in combination with the extremely optimised aerodynamics ensures that it is a highly energy-efficient electric vehicle. Once again, the car sets a remarkable record – only 20.8 kWh/100 km in the BAB 130 Highway Test. What’s more, comfort for the driver and its passengers is not compromised. In the Cold Ambient Test at -7°C, the thermal management system provided 18°C in the front passenger’s headrest in only three minutes. The Tesla Model 3 achieves an Average Score of 98% and receives 5 Green Stars.

Hyundai has made many inroads since Green NCAP tested the first electric KONA (BEV) in 2020. This new small SUV comes with a much longer driving range thanks to a bigger battery and significantly lower consumption values in all tests. The vehicle’s power has also increased from 100 to 160 kW, delivering a more dynamic driving experience and better performance in high-power demand situations. From what could be seen as a niche product back then, the new electric KONA has all it takes to be a high-sales vehicle on European roads. In the standard lab test and the -7°C Cold Ambient Test, the new KONA demonstrates consumption results which are among the lowest measured so far without compromising in-cabin heating. The low consumption figures are possible thanks to the very high grid-to-battery-output efficiency of 92% – one of the highest values among all tested electric cars. With an Average Score of 98%, the electric KONA receives a very well-deserved 5-star rating.

BYD’s ATTO 2, a compact electric SUV, hits the European market in January. With 1,590 kg and a battery capacity of only 42.4 kWh, it is lightweight in the world of electric vehicles. The powertrain configuration shows that it is targeting those looking for a practical car for everyday use in urban or rural areas. This observation is confirmed by the relatively high consumption figure in the Highway Test, while the -7°C test electricity demand pleasantly surprised with 26.6 kWh/100 km. It is worth mentioning that, starting from -7°C, the cabin temperature measured at the front passenger’s headrest reached 18°C in about 200 seconds before further increasing to the requested 23°C.  Improvements in charging efficiency could easily help the ATTO 2 further reduce its consumption and increase its driving range. With an Average Score of 96%, this new compact from BYD easily collects all 5 Green Stars.

Green NCAP tested the 2024 model of the Dacia Duster TCe 130 Petrol equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 48V mild-hybrid system. Despite being an SUV, the Duster scores well enough to reach Green NCAP’s additional robustness test stage to undergo even more stringent testing. A key factor in these good results is undoubtedly its low mass of only 1,336 kg. The well-designed conventional powertrain achieves not only reasonable fuel consumption values but also scores well in the Clean Air Index. Additional improvements are possible, especially with more of a focus on short trips with cold engine start, particle number, and carbon monoxide emissions. The emitted greenhouse gases are better than expected for a vehicle of such configuration but cap the overall result, positioning the Dacia Duster TCe 130 in the fair range of 3 Green Stars with an Average Score of 50%.

Finally, Green NCAP tested the CHERY OMODA5, a compact SUV with a 1.6-litre atmospheric petrol engine, using a conventional powertrain with an automatic transmission, without any hybridisation. Potentially, this car will attract a wide range of buyers looking for a small SUV that offers space at an affordable price. Pollutant output is managed well and robustly, with some room for improvement in cold engine start conditions. The consumption values are not impressive but are as could be expected for a vehicle of this body type and powertrain configuration. Overall, the CHERY OMODA5 scores 38% on average and receives 2 Green Stars.

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