Qoros becomes China’s first five-star car

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The Qoros 3 has become the first Chinese car to achieve the maximum five-star crash test rating from EuroNCAP.

The European crash test authority awarded the Qoros 3 the top score, describing it as “a significant step up from previous Chinese exports tested by EuroNCAP”.

It didn’t simply scrape through on a technicality, either. EuroNCAP says the Qoros scored the highest results of all models tested so far in 2013 - outdoing models such as the Mazda6, Lexus IS and Honda CR-V.

The Qoros scored 95 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 77 per cent for pedestrian protection and 81 per cent for safety assist technologies such as electronic stability control and seatbelt reminders for front and rear occupants.
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Qoros vice chairman Volker Steinwascher says safety is one of the brand’s key development goals.

“It’s a crucial demonstration that our customers are the most important consideration and it also says a great deal about the engineering integrity of the car as a whole,” he says.

“So, while we expected a very good result in the Euro NCAP test, we are naturally very happy with how the car performed. The Qoros engineering team invested an incredible amount of time and commitment in developing one of the safest vehicles ever assessed by EuroNCAP.”

The upmarket Qoros 3 sedan has been pitched as a premium model to take on the established European brands. The Mazda3-sized sedan went on sale earlier this year in Slovakia with a starting price of around 16,000 euro ($23,100).

Qoros has signalled its intent to set up shop in Australia, but it likely wouldn’t arrive until around 2016.

Qoros isn’t an entirely Chinese interest - the brand is the product of a joint venture between Chinese car maker Chery and the Israel Corporation.


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Kia also secured a five-star crash rating for its Rondo compact seven-seater. That score comes despite the fact the model doesn’t offer airbag protection for its rearmost occupants.

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