Top five safest cars

What’s tested?

Adult protection – points are awarded for front, side and pole impact crash tests.
Child protection – different-sized dummies are used to emulate 18-month-old and three-year-old children. Cars are also awarded for child seat instructions.
Pedestrian protection – how well the car protects pedestrians on impact.
Safety assist – how effective the car can avoid accidents with driver assists such as stability control, speed limitation and seat belt reminders.

Joint fifth: Vauxhall Astra

Adult protection: 95 per cent
Child protection: 84 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 46 per cent
Safety assist: 71 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our Astra review | Search for a used Astra | Buy a new Astra | View video of the Astra

Joint fifth: Volvo XC60

Adult protection: 94 per cent
Child protection: 79 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 48 per cent
Safety assist: 86 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our XC60 review | Search for a used XC60 | Buy a new XC60 | View video of the XC60

Joint fifth: Toyota Avensis

Adult protection: 90 per cent
Child protection: 86 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 53 per cent
Safety assist: 86 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our Avensis review | Search for a used Avensis | Buy a new Avensis | View video of the Avensis

4. Hyundai i20

Adult protection: 88 per cent
Child protection: 83 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 64 per cent
Safety assist: 86 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our i20 review | Search for a used i20 | Buy a new i20 | View video of the i20

3. Toyota Prius

Adult protection: 88 per cent
Child protection: 82 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 68 per cent
Safety assist: 86 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our Prius review | Search for a used Prius | Buy a new Prius | View video of the Prius

2. Honda Insight

Adult protection: 90 per cent
Child protection: 74 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 76 per cent
Safety assist: 86 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our Insight review | Search for a used Insight | Buy a new Insight | View video of the Insight

1. Volkswagen Golf

Adult protection: 97 per cent
Child protection: 84 per cent
Pedestrian protection: 61 per cent
Safety assist: 71 per cent
Star rating: 5/5

Read our Golf review | Search for a used Golf | Buy a new Golf | View video of the Golf

For more information on crash tests and how the rating system works, read our Euro NCAP guide.

To see the latest car safety ratings, visit Euro NCAP’s full car list.