Geely: 'Milestone' for Chinese manufacturer

Geely's EC7 scored well in recent Euro NCAP safety tests. Photo / Supplied

Chinese manufacturer Geely has scored a creditable four-star crash safety result in the latest round of Euro NCAP results.

The performance by the Geely EC7 - sold under the Emgrand sub-brand in China - and another Chinese-made car, the MG6, made by the giant SAIC company, was described by Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen as a milestone in Chinese automotive history.

"It is a clear sign that Chinese carmakers are building on recent experiences and rapidly investing in better vehicle safety," says Van Ratingen.

"Even with the upcoming increased demands, five stars are expected to be within reach soon."

The EC7 is due for release in New Zealand late next year. It will be the first Geely vehicle with Automatic Transmission technology from DSI, the Australian Auto Transmission manufacturer that Geely purchased in 2009.

The European-spec 1.8-litre EC7 sedan - a hatch version is also available - scored a 75 per cent adult protection rating in the Euro NCAP test, better than Renault's Fluence ZE electric car that also scored four stars in the same batch of results.

In the front offset crash test, the EC7's major shortcoming was major deformation of the driver's footwell, which tore in places, resulting in a low rating for lower leg protection.

This result was underscored by movement of the brake pedal, which pushed 176mm into the footwell.

In the side barrier test, the EC7 score maximum points, with all body areas well protected, but in the more severe side pole test, chest protection was rated as "weak".

The EC7 was designed and engineered before Geely bought Sweden's automotive safety leader, Volvo, from Ford.