Great news for budget EV fans just dropped from crash-test authorities overseas: Geely EX2 (sold in China as the Xingyuan) scored a full 5-star safety rating under the latest, stricter 2026 test protocols at both Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP (ANCAP).
Here is the exact breakdown of the safety milestone, what the testers discovered, and the two critical safety hardware features missing from our local units.
Testing authorities put the updated Geely EX2 through its paces under updated, tougher 2026 test protocols. The compact hatchback performed admirably across four core metrics:
Post-Crash Safety: 95% (High marks for emergency extrication & battery isolation safety)Crash Protection (Occupants): 86%Safe Driving / Assist Tech: 79%Crash Avoidance (AEB Systems): 72%ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg praised the results, noting that "choosing a more affordable electric vehicle doesn't have to mean compromising on safety."
Read: Launched: Proton e.MAS 5 – 2 Variants
The Hardware Gap: What’s Missing From Malaysia’s Proton eMas 5?
Geely EX2 platform was first launched in China back in 2024, but it took two full years before crash-test authorities put it through independent safety assessments. For international markets, Geely introduced an updated EX2 variant in Australia, equipped with additional active and passive safety features specifically to meet strict 2026 crash-test standards.
Because our local Proton eMas 5 is based on the earlier spec version, two key safety hardware features found on the updated export model are missing on Malaysian units:
Safety Feature Tested Overseas Geely EX2 Malaysian Proton eMas 5 Why It Matters To You Total Airbag Count 7 AIRBAGS Includes Front-Center Airbag 6 AIRBAGS Standard Local Spec A front-center airbag inflates between the driver and front passenger during severe side impacts to prevent head-to-head collisions. Rear Auto Braking (Rear AEB) STANDARD Applies brakes automatically for cross-traffic RCTA ONLY Warning sound & visual alert, no auto-brake Overseas units actively stop the vehicle if a pedestrian or car crosses behind while reversing. The local eMas 5 alerts you visually/audibly, but won't step on the brakes automatically.Read: Proton e.MAS 5 vs. Perodua Myvi: The Brutal 5-Year Cost Breakdown
Even with a 5-star overall rating, official test notes revealed a few specific areas where inspectors docked points:
Child Dummy Seatbelt Slip: Euro NCAP and ANCAP noted that during dynamic crash testing, the rear shoulder seatbelt "partially slipped off the shoulder" of the 10-year-old child dummy.Driver Leg Injury Risk: Inspectors reported an elevated risk of driver leg injury in frontal offset impacts due to footwell pedal intrusion.Touchscreen-Heavy Controls: ANCAP explicitly criticized the interior layout, noting that requiring drivers to rely too heavily on central touchscreen menus for routine vehicle settings creates unnecessary distraction.Inconsistent Crash Avoidance Scores: Euro NCAP reported that while the AEB system performed well in routine driving scenarios, its crash avoidance ratings fluctuated, achieving "almost full marks in some tests, but less than half in others."Mixed Low-Speed Collision Avoidance: ANCAP highlighted that low-speed safety interventions were mixed. While the EX2 successfully avoided straight-crossing vehicles, it failed to auto-brake when turning across oncoming traffic, could not react to pedal misapplication, and was unable to detect a stationary pedestrian while reversing.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Limitations: While the ACC system effectively detected and tracked preceding vehicles, ANCAP noted that it lacks the capability to automatically adjust vehicle speed when approaching roundabouts or complex intersections.The Takeaway: Is The Proton eMas 5 Still Safe?
Yes, the local model still offers solid baseline protection. Standard equipment across the range includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control. For buyers looking for active driver assistance, stepping up from the base Prime trim to the Premium variant adds a 360-degree surround camera and a full 12-function ADAS suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning.
However, until ASEAN NCAP conducts its own official crash test on the exact Malaysian-spec trim, calling the local eMas 5 a "certified 5-star car" is technically inaccurate. For now, enjoy the sharp entry price, just keep in mind that two high-tech safety nets were left behind at the port!
