Hyundai Nexo has become the first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to score a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The large SUV achieved the result in the latest round of testing conducted by Euro NCAP, with a 94 percent rating for adult occupant safety. As well as the Hyundai, the Lexus ES hybrid, Mazda 6 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class also achieved maximum five-star scores.

The Nexo was the first FCEV tested by Euro NCAP. Matthew Avery from Thatcham Research, the only British firm that conducts Euro NCAP testing, said the Nexo's five-star rating should “dispel concerns around how hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars perform in a crash”.

Avery praised the automatic emergency braking systems on the Nexo and A-Class, which can detect pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s pleasing to see that car makers across all categories are stepping up and working with Euro NCAP to do more to protect our more vulnerable road users,” he added.

The Mazda 6 was singled out for its high adult occupant protection score of 95 percent, the second-highest score in that category by a car in 2018 behind the Volvo XC40 (97%).

The mechanically identical Peugeot Rifter, Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo MPVs all received four-star ratings. The report noted that they scored well in terms of occupant protection but achieved lower scores for vulnerable road user protection.

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