Will the cheapest cars become more expensive in 2026? All because of new, mandatory security systems

From 2026, car manufacturers who want to sell them in European Union countries will have to install additional safety systems in their cars – reports “Auto Świat”. Buyers will pay for increased safety behind the wheel. The changes will primarily affect the cheapest models with the poorest equipment versions, in which most of the systems have not been installed so far.

The changes are the final effect of the EU regulation introduced in 2019. Pursuant to it, in mid-2024, the following were introduced, among others: the obligation to install intelligent speed assistants that warn if the speed is exceeded, systems for detecting objects on the road when reversing, or the so-called black boxes known from airplanes.

Now, on January 1, 2026, the obligation to install modernized eCall systems in cars will come into force, detecting accidents and automatically calling emergency services. In a modified version, called NG eCall, the system will also support the LTE and 5G standards.

Much more noticeable changes will come into force in six months – on July 7, 2026. From that date, the following systems will have to be installed in passenger cars and delivery vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes:

• warning of driver distraction
• activating emergency braking when pedestrians and cyclists are detected on the road
• keeping in the lane in the case of cars with a hydraulic power steering system

Although for many drivers the changes introduced will not be anything new from July, new safety systems will have to be installed in all cars, including the cheapest ones and the poorest versions of more expensive models, which are currently most often not installedwhich may result in an increase in prices.

From 2026, the way of assessing the safety of Euro NCAP cars will also change. Traditional buttons (e.g. those that activate wipers or lights) mounted on the steering wheel are to be rated higher than those on touch screens.

MKZ

Source: