Dongfeng Box's welds failed the Euro NCAP crash test

In the latest Euro NCAP crash test, two models demonstrated significant weaknesses, but for completely different reasons: the VW T-Cross and the Dongfeng Box received only three out of the maximum five stars piese auto online.

Dongfeng Box's welds failed the Euro NCAP crash test

The Euro NCAP crash test is considered the most important safety test for new cars in Europe. In it, independent testers evaluate models in realistic accident scenarios and also check assistance systems. The result is a star rating from zero to five. Five stars are given for the highest level of protection, and three is considered a poor achievement.

Even more surprising is that two models received only three stars in the latest test session – these were the Chinese Dongfeng Box and the VW T-Cross. However, the reasons for their unsatisfactory performance are completely different.

The body of the Dongfeng Box is twisted by the impact

The compact subcompact electric car from China suffered serious damage in a frontal collision with partial overlap. Several welds on the bodywork gave way, which weakened its protective function. This increased the risk of deformation of the passenger compartment, as well as the risk of injuries to passengers.

In addition, after the crash, the doors do not unlock automatically, which would hinder the work of rescue teams. The driver's airbag does not perform up to par: it does not deploy fully, which is why the crash victim's head hits the steering wheel.

These shortcomings result in the Box scoring 27.7 points for occupant protection (69 percent) – and only three stars. Testers emphasize that the Dongfeng Box's bodywork would probably not withstand real-world crashes at higher speeds.

But at least child safety (81 percent) and assistance systems (77 percent) are up to par. Dongfeng's performance is far from defining for Chinese manufacturers in general in terms of safety - many other models from China have recently achieved top results.

VW T-Cross with shortcomings in assistance systems

The VW T-Cross also underwent a re-evaluation procedure according to the new, stricter criteria for 2025. The tests proved that the body is solid – in terms of passenger protection, the small SUV achieved 29.7 points and 74 percent.

The T-Cross was not as convincing in terms of pedestrian protection (60 percent) and electronic assistance (57 percent). The reason: the emergency braking system does not always reliably detect pedestrians, cyclists or motorcycles - and therefore intervenes too late or not at all. In comparison, the VW Golf, which also passed the test procedure according to the new criteria and uses the same platform, earned five stars.

Conclusion: the three stars do not mean the same thing

The Dongfeng Box's three stars demonstrate the structural weakness of the body. In the VW T-Cross, on the other hand, shortcomings in the assistance systems and pedestrian protection lead to a lower rating.

However, for VW, the result is a warning signal: because anyone who wants to excel in future crash tests must impress not only with their bodywork, but also improve their electronic assistance systems.

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The Euro NCAP crash test is considered the most important safety test for new cars in Europe

Even more surprising is that two models received only three stars in the latest test session – these were the Chinese Dongfeng Box and the VW T-Cross