In China, the Geely Binyue and Honda Vezel (also known as the Binzhi) are relatively popular B-segment SUVs, with both recording six-figure sales figures consistently. Over here, we know the SUVs as the Proton X50 and HR-V, and just like in China, they are popular options among car buyers.
Recently, Chinese media outlet Drag Racing decided to carry out an experiment to see how the Binyue and Vezel would fare if they collided against each other. In most crash tests, cars are tested independently, and in the case of the X50 and HR-V, both have already received a five-star safety rating from the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP).
To determine which SUV’s body structure is safer, the publication carried out a frontal offset crash test, with locally-sourced units travelling towards each other at 64 km/h. The video of the experiment, which has since been uploaded to the AutoWorld YouTube page, shows the dramatic collision and plenty of slow-motion snippets for the Drag Racing team to analyse.
According to the publication, both cars collided at the precise position planned, and the smashed front ends are to be expected given the nature of crumple zones that deform on purpose to help dissipate as much force as possible.
The airbags of both SUVs were also deployed within just 30 milliseconds, although the seat belts locked much quicker on the Binyue (nine milliseconds) to hold the test dummies in place compared to the Vezel (15 milliseconds). The publication notes that the seat belts are equipped with a small explosive charge (much like in an airbag) to instantly lock the seat belts in a collision, holding passengers in place in case of an accident.
While the restraining systems of both cars performed well, Drag Racing also observed the passenger structure to see if the damage sustained could result in injuries being inflicted on passengers. Based on the footage, the Binyue performed better than the Vezel, as the A-pillars, doors, roof and underbody of the Geely model did not deform as severely. However, both cars still managed to keep their passenger structures relatively intact, with no immediate intrusions, to keep occupants safe.
There are a few things to note with regards to this experiment. Firstly, the Binyue was first released in 2018 and is a much newer car compared to the Vezel that has been around since 2015. As such, the Geely SUV benefits from more modern safety technology developments, likely contributing to the results. Honda has already released the third-generation Vezel/HR-V this year, which should perform much better in a crash test compared to its predecessor.
Secondly, the results of this test should only be applied to the local Chinese market given that local units were used. Differences in materials sourced and production processes depending on where the car is built would mean that this test isn’t representative of versions sold in other markets.
It’s also worth mentioning that China has its own safety assessment programme called N-NCAP, which attempts to mimic the Euro NCAP standard. The Vezel was listed as having the highest five-star rating in 2015, but the results of the Binyue have yet to be posted by C-NCAP.
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Should conduct test with new gen HRV. That would be interesting.
We remember how Proton brought and trashed a Myvi to paint that it is inferior to Savvy. We all know how it went and the rest is history.
Only companies with inferior complex do this type of gimmick to display their non-existence prowess.
Hello, did you read the article? This test is done by media outlet in China, nothing to do with Proton.
If no one is taking the initiative to do this kind of crush test, how well we can know the safety of the cars we bought, and they can actually save us in a crush between 2 cars in real life?
I fail to see the ‘company’ in question here. I read the article and I don’t see any ‘company’ claiming anything and it doesn’t seem like any of the model is better than the other in the experiment.. So, what’s this imaginary “companies with inferior complex” that you’re talking about?
lol
the guy only writes in Proton threads to say how bad he thinks they are
Rather than diss the company (which is not even mentioned here), why not you try crash testing ur Ativa at 150kmph and find out if ur car result is as good or better than X50? No need tok 3, tok 4, tok kok here
Gerard, we are waiting for PT’s own crash test gimmick between Ativa and X50. Please.
I heard that Euro NCAP is not as good as other countries because of what they look for? Since they take into account driving aids and look for *prevention* of accidents as opposed to crash test performance. Won’t US’s version IIHS be better – or in this case the Chinese NCAP?
(Like) Honda HR-V.
(Dislike) Proton X50
If there is a post crash video to have an all around review will be good.
Want to see myvi vs jazz or iriz…
Both performed well to keep their occupants safe. Let’s not start bashing the brands ya
Exactly bro , like how X70 had beaten CRV in latest crash testing.
Honda Dah Gagal.
X50 > Vezel HRV
U follow their YouTube channel can watch full dissection of X50/Binyue too. U’ll learn BMA platform is organically Japanese remodeling
x50 is lighter than hrv? it looks terrible.
Mimic or outright copy?
Proton fans boy said Proton car have HPF steel inside the body.. Yeah.. Can see that X50..