Is your car safe for your family?

When you have a small child to care for, safety is your number one priority. Whether its a newborn baby or an increasingly active toddler, you want to ensure the car you are driving will protect them in the event of an accident. Creditplus have looked through the NCAP results to find the safest cars for children.

To find out which cars are safest, we will be using the Euro NCAP evaluation system. The European New Car Assessment Programme was set up in 1997 by the UK Department for Transport, to test new cars and their safety measures. An entirely voluntary system, NCAP is now run by the European Commission and endorsed by seven European governments. Each car is rated on a 5-star scale and tested for driver, child and pedestrian protection. We sifted through some of the results to find the best cars for child safety.

How the tests work

Two crash test dummies representing a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 year old child are placed on the back seat of a car and secured following the recommended child restraints from the car manufacturer. A crash test is performed, measuring the movements of the dummies head, neck, chest and limbs, as well as if the dummy leaves the seat or impacts any of the interior of the car. The results are compiled into a percentage from 100% protection to 0%. Each car also receives an overall 5 star rating.

Top Rated Small Family Cars

The safest cars for families with one or two children. Small family cars are ideal for new parents or those looking to change car to suit their family.

1. Seat Leon 1.6 (2012)

The Seat Leon combines a nice modern style with a sensible drive. This is reflected in its high safety rating with a 92% score for Child passengers, and a 94% for adults. Overall the car received a 5 star award from NCAP.

2. Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 (2012)

Scoring 90% for child protection, the Vauxhall Mokka is a 5 door SUV. The Mokka scored very high for the adult occupant with a 96% safety rating, 5 star rating overall.

3. Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 (2011)

The iconic VW Beetle scored 90% for children, 92% for adult occupants of the car. An ideal car for those parents wanting something a bit more quirky or interesting without sacrificing safety.

Best of the rest
4. Hyundai i30 1.4 (2012)
Scored 90% for both adult and child protection, the i30 received a high score for its Electronic stability control.

5. Subaru XV 2.0i (2012)
The XV scored 90% for child passenger, but slightly less than the others for adult protection with a score of 86%.

Creditplus Top Tip

A new EU regulation means that all new cars must have an ISOFIX attachment for child seats in their cars, but older cars don’t have them fitted as standard. It is worth looking to see if you can have the ISOFIX attachment fitted as they dramatically increase the safety for children in car seats. Much safer than using a seatbelt, ISOFIX is a set of attachment points that allow you to fit compliant child seats safely and securely into your car. Well worth the extra cost and something to keep in mind when buying a car.

Top Rated Large Family Cars

For families with 2 or more children, or perhaps looking for a bit more space and comfort. Here are the safest large family cars.

1. Peugeot 508 1.6 (2011)

With a score of 87% for child protection, and 90% for adults, the Peugeot 508 is the leading large family car for child safety.

2. Skoda Octavia 1.6 (2013)

The Skoda Octavia scored 86% for Child, 93% for adult protection, and has been awarded for its interior space and dependability.

3. Hyundai i40 1.7 (2011)

Hyundai i40 was rated at 86% for child protection and 92% for adults. The i40 is extremely economical when it comes to keeping running costs down.

Best of the rest
4. Toyota Avensis 2.0 (2009)
The Avensis scored 86% child, 90% adult protection.

5. Lexus IS 300H 2.5
Lexus IS 300H was rated as 85% for child protection, 91% for adults.

Top Rated MPVs

MPVs or people carriers are for the biggest families, also ideal for a school run or car share scheme. Lots of space to keep children happy. Here are the five safest car models, as tested by NCAP.

1. Citroen C4 Picasso (2013)

The Citroen C4 Picasso has won numerous awards for best MPV on the market. It received a NCAP safety rating of 88% for children, 86% for adults.

2. Kia Soul 1.6 (2009)

Rated for child protection at 86%, adult protection at 87%, the Kia Soul is an award winning compact car, praised for its roomy interior.

3. Ford Tourneo Connect 1.6 (2013)

The Ford Tourneo Connect is the largest car on our list and has a surprisingly good safety rating. Child protection at 85%, adult protection at 94%.

Best of the rest
4. Hyundai ix20 1.4 (2011)
Another entry from Hyundai on our lists, the ix20 was rated at 85% for child protection, 89% for adults.

5. Kia Venga 1.4 (2010)
The Venga is another safe MPV from Kia. 85% for child proection, 89% for adults.
Child 85%, adult 89%

How do the best-selling cars rate?

Below are the safety ratings for the best selling cars of the year.

Ford Fiesta: Child 85%, Adult 91%

Ford Focus: Child 82%, Adult 92%

Vauxhall Corsa: Not yet rated.

Volkswagen Golf:Child 89%, Adult 94%

Vauxhall Astra: Child 84%, Adult 95%.

Finding the right car for you

No safety rating can replace being a careful driver. However, choosing a car that has come through testing with a high score can only enhance your family’s safety if an accident happens. The cars on our list are the highest rated by NCAP. When buying a car, it is important that you do your research first. Speak to the dealer or go online and find reviews from other families. That way you will receive some peace of mind and know that you are providing the best protection for your children.

Thinking of changing your car? Here at Creditplus, we can help you find the right car for your family. Our friendly team of customer advisors will talk you through all the available finance options, guiding you step by step as we find the car for you. Just call us on 0800 1777 290 or complete our online application form and receive a decision. Creditplus are waiting to find you the car you want and the finance you need.

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