These are the worst cars of the year

From cheap small cars to luxury models: the ADAC tested a total of 94 cars in 2023. Electric cars in particular performed well: 18 models received an A before the decimal point. Apart from that, only one BMW diesel achieved such a top score. According to the traffic club, the suitability for everyday use, range, charging time and battery technology of electric cars have improved considerably in recent years.

However, some models also perform significantly worse. And the testers are harsh on some manufacturers.

The winners of the ADAC car test

At the top of the best list are five vehicles with the highest rating of 1.7 – a wide range of models, from the electric Volvo

Yet they have some similarities. On the one hand, all five models are emission-free. In addition, each model is characterized by balanced features with many strengths and only a few weaknesses. This is the central criterion in the extensive ADAC test procedure, which includes more than 300 points.

Aspects such as space, driving comfort and driving characteristics are taken into account, as well as the crucial factors of safety and the environment (consumption, CO2, harmful emissions), which are given double weight. This means that models that convince in terms of safety and environmental friendliness already have a clear advantage in the overall ranking.

As a striking example, the ADAC cites the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (from 68,000 francs), a classic hatchback sedan. The aerodynamic teardrop shape enables an extremely low energy consumption of 15.5 kWh/100 km, making it the most economical electric car in the ADAC test to date. The 800-volt battery technology also enables fast charging for a range of 400 kilometers in just 20 minutes. The testers also praised the extensive equipment with assistance systems.

Tesla’s popular Model Y received an overall rating of 2.0 (“good”). The electric SUV had to compromise slightly in terms of comfort and interior space, while the testers mainly praised the driving behavior and efficiency.

The losers of the ADAC car test

However: Eleven models did not receive a ‘satisfactory’ grade until 2023. This includes models such as the Mazda MX-5 and the VW Amarok, which despite good driving characteristics have weaknesses in terms of usability. Cheap models such as the Citroën C3, the Kia Picanto and the Dacia Sandero also performed poorly.

However, the ADAC emphasizes: Cheap cars generally do not have to be bad – as long as they are technically up to date. And that is exactly what the bottom four in the table are not.

Safety deficiencies in some models

The ADAC criticizes that the Fiat Panda (rated with the worst rating) is simply outdated. It has been on the market unchanged since 2011 and shows clear weaknesses compared to modern vehicles, especially in safety. The fact that Fiat recently even removed the previously available side airbags and city emergency braking assist further exacerbates the problem. The only ray of hope: the electric successor to the Fiat Panda is expected to come onto the market in 2024.

The Dacia Spring Electric, the Mitsubishi Space Star and the Renault Twingo Electric were also downgraded due to safety defects – and not for the first time. The models already achieved the lowest places last year. Nothing has improved since then, the ADAC complains.