Euro NCAP marks down screen-only driving controls in second 2026-protocol batch

Euro NCAP released ratings for four cars assessed under its 2026 protocols on September 2, the first such batch since July 8. The CUPRA Raval took four stars as standard and five with an optional Safety Pack. The AION UT, GEELY E2 and Leapmotor B05 each took five.

The 2026 protocol scores a Safe Driving pillar that covers assisted-driving software, driver monitoring and the layout of cabin controls. The Raval scored 58 percent there as standard and 72 percent with the Safety Pack, the AION UT and Leapmotor B05 66 percent each, and the GEELY E2 79 percent.

Euro NCAP said the AION UT “relies too heavily on the centre screen for key driving controls,” and reported that its road-based speed limit recognition system achieved a 68 percent accuracy rate. The GEELY E2 was credited with good use of physical controls for both driving commands and infotainment, scoring 80 percent on that measure, though its autonomous emergency braking was described as inconsistent. The Leapmotor B05 does not recognize an unsafely seated front passenger, and Euro NCAP said its controls would benefit from greater use of physical switches.

The organization set the results against a shifting market, noting that Chinese cars accounted for 7 percent of new car sales in the European Union last year and nearly 10 percent in the United Kingdom, and that the number of Chinese models it assesses has risen close to tenfold since 2021. Results for the Kia K4 and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabrio were released the same day under the 2025 protocols. The next release is scheduled for October 12.