Folksam has released its annual new car list, which should help car owners make good, safe choices when buying a car – both in terms of safety and environmental impact.
This year’s list shows that as many as 23 car models on the market today have deficiencies in their crashworthiness. Of these, 15 are relatively newly developed and came out in 2020 or later,
At the bottom we find a number of European cars, while the rating for the cars from China is overwhelmingly positive.
The statistics show: Four-wheel drive less safe in winter
The cars to avoid
To get on Folksam’s list, the cars must meet the insurance company’s environmental and safety requirements. Among other things, the cars must be equipped with a range of safety systems, and have at least five stars in Euro NCAP.
This star rating is based on tests of the four parts adult protection, unprotected road users, assistance systems and child safety.
The cars that get the worst rating in the survey are Dacia Jogger and Dacia Sandero, followed by Fiat 500 Hybrid, Hyundai i10, Jeep Wrangler and Renault Zoe.
The poor rating for these cars is mainly due to the fact that they scored 70 percent or less for adult protection in the Euro NCAP crash test.
Harsh criticism: Swedish environmental requirements among the worst in the EU
The majority of new cars not approved
Anders Ydeniustraffic researcher at Folksam, it is important that the company can guide companies and private individuals in choosing a car, as this choice has an impact throughout the car’s lifetime, which is 17 years on average.
– Although the majority of reviewed models have approved crash protection, it is surprising that so many of the latest models do not meet the requirements for basic crash safety, says Anders Ydenius.
In total, this year’s list contains 130 approved models, of which 68 are plug-in hybrids and 60 are pure electric cars.
Of all the car models on the market, it is a clear minority that are approved according to Folksam’s list.
– With our annual review of safety and emission requirements, only 20-25 percent of the car fleet meets our requirements. The fact that we set tougher requirements over time contributes to helping car buyers make a safer and more sustainable purchase, concludes Anders Ydenius.
The experts’ warning: The inspection of electric cars is substandard
Good marks for the Chinese
In recent years, the Swedish car market has been invaded by a number of completely new car brands from China.
These have also found their way onto Folksam’s list, where they have received good marks. Of the 36 brands with approved car models on the list, as many as seven are Chinese.
It is about BYD, Lynk&Co, Maxus, MG, Nio, Ora, Xpeng. None of these brands were even on the list five years ago, where they now have a total of 14 models.
According to Folksam, the Chinese cars maintain a high level both in terms of crash safety and important safety systems.
Furthermore, since 2019, only two car models from China, the MG Marvel R and the Aiways U5, have failed the insurance company’s requirements based on the Euro NCAP crash tests.
Recently, the Chinese MG4 has also had to endure a lot of criticism for its dangerous behavior in winter.
An electric car to avoid: This is why the MG4 is deadly in winter