Thatcham Research has revealed the top 10 safest cars of 2019 based on Euro NCAP rating, affordability and technology.
The top 10 safest car nominees for 2019, were selected by a panel made up of Matthew Avery (Thatcham Research’s director), Michiel Van Ratingen (Euro NCAP’s general secretary) and Claire Evans (What Car? Magazine consumer editor).
Matthew Avery said: “Carmakers have really raised their game this year; drivers have never been safer behind the wheel. Should the worst happen, motorists are incredibly well protected. But crucially, these cars have an abundance of standard-fit safety systems designed to prevent crashes. These innovative technologies are watching the road when you aren’t and the continued progression in their performance is genuinely exciting for road safety.”
2019 Safest cars – in alphabetical order
An overall 97% rating in Euro NCAP’s Adult Occupant Protection category is one of the highest of the year. The 3 Series scored 100% in the pole crash too. With strong sales, especially among fleets, the car is a common sight on UK roads.
Achieving class-leading safety protection in impacts, the Mazda 3 also has active safety features, including Driver Monitoring technology, which aren’t included in the current Euro NCAP rating.
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A 99% rating in the Adult Occupant Protection category – maxing out in the Full Frontal, Side-impact, Pole crash and AEB City tests – was the highest ever seen in Euro NCAP testing.
The first of two Mercedes-Benz cars to feature in the top 10. Safety systems are included as standard across its model range.
A 90% average score across all Euro NCAP categories is the best of 2019. Features include a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.
One of the safest SUVs on the market at a reasonable price point. The Tarraco achieved a good performance for its driver assistance technologies, with strong AEB and Lane Support System scores.
Rating highly on passive and active safety protection the Scala is one of the safest small cars available in 2019.
Achieved the highest overall score in Euro NCAP’s Safety Assist category. It scored maximum points in our Lane Support System tests too.
New Golf comes with an admirable number of standard-fit safety technologies, including AEB and a Lane Support System, plus Electronic Lane Keeping.
A high performer in the small crossover segment, the T-Cross features active safety technology fitted as standard, including a Lane Support System.
“All the cars in this year's shortlist gain four or five stars in What Car?'s road tests and it's great to see that they are also the top performers in terms of safety. The majority of this year's contenders are also affordable to buy, and that means whichever you choose you can be reassured you are getting one of the safest new cars without breaking the bank,” said Claire Evans, consumer editor What Car? Magazine.
The eventual winner and two runners up will be selected from the top 10 list by the judges and revealed at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2020 on January 14.