What are the safest family cars?

Euro NCAP or the European New Car Assessment Programme, carries out exhaustive crash tests on most of the new cars that go on sale in Europe, giving them star ratings for adult, child and pedestrian protection. The test has evolved over the years so it is difficult to compare models tested in the past with more recent results but buyers can at least get an idea of which cars will perform best should the worst come to the worst.

Amongst the growing numbers of small cars available these days, the Toyota iQ stands out for car safety. It achieved a formidable 91% score for adult occupant protection and 71% for child protection safety which is amazing for such a small car. In the supermini class, Ford's Fiesta is a leader and Volkswagen's latest Polo has also achieved and admirable score.

There are plenty of five-star cars in the family hatchback class but two strongly performing models that you might not have expected are the Mazda3 and the Kia Cee'd both produced excellent results when tested for safety.

Renault has long had a great reputation for safety and its Laguna is one of the best performers in the medium range class. The Vauxhall Insignia also deserves a mention here as it achieved a superb 94% rating for adult occupant protection.

For more information on the Euro NCAP safety scores and to see how your car rates, visit the Euro NCAP website at www.euroncap.com.

Stephen Neale, 7th January 2010