2017’s Safest Family Vehicles
There is a vehicle for every stage of life. Single and in your 20’s? The Volkswagen Scirocco may be up your street. 4th child due? Well, you’re going to need a vehicle with not only plenty of space, but one which provides you and your family with durability and additional safety.
Having a collision isn’t something we want to think about – even more so, when it involves your family. The reality is, no matter how safe we are on the road, there is always the chance of it happening. Reassuringly, there are plenty of mod cons built for safety, becoming increasingly popular in today’s vehicles. Autonomous emergency breaking for example, are not fitted by law, but are becoming more and more common in today’s market. Cadillac CTS Sport sedans are also building vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems which shares information about conditions such as weather, sudden braking and accidents. Rather than technology being manufactured to reduce the consequences of impact, technology is being created to avoid the collisions altogether. Although this isn’t mandatory for all vehicles, the future looks bright, and safe.
Moving on, we’ve put together our top 5 family vehicles, built for safety.
1. Volkswagen Tiguan SUV
Built with front assist and standard emergency breaking, pedestrian monitoring, AND Isofix child Seat Preparation, the Volkswagen is one of the safest cars on the market today. What’s also interesting is, the Tiguan SUV has a 96% adult occupant score and an 84% child occupant score.
The Tiguan has been built for protection. All backseat passengers are well protected with airbags and the bonnet itself, is raised to protect the driver and front seat passenger. All Tiguan SUVs have Lane Departure Systems built in – fantastic for families who travel far distances together.
2. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Not the largest of family cars, however, the Hyundai Ioniq has plenty of durability for both front and back seat passengers. The Hyndai Ioniq Hybrid has a beautiful interior with plenty more space in comparison to its rival – the Prius.
Euroncap has given front seat occupants a rating of 91%. Front seat passengers have good protection to the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. Protection is also at a good level for people of all sizes. In the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, protection of all critical body regions was given full points.
The child occupant score was 80%. Rear seats have no chest or pelvis airbags; however, side head airbags are provided.
3. Seat Ateca SUV
The Spanish brand Seat, has built its first SUV. But don’t let that fool you – they have hit the nail firmly on the head. The Seat Ateca SUV, essentially, has all the same mechanics as the VW Tiguan, but at a much cheaper price.
With an adult occupant rating of 93% and a child occupant of 84%, Seat have built one of the safest vehicles on the road today. The vehicle may not have the flexibility of the VW Tiguan in terms of sliding seats, but it certainly a safer vehicle at a much cheaper price going from EURO NCAP.
Downside of this vehicle is chest protection for rear passengers, where protection was ‘marginal’. When testing, the side curtain airbag did not deploy, and whilst there is a lot of side protection, it is rated as average due to the fault.
The Seat Ateca comes with a front assist – a clear warning if you’re getting too close to the car in front. Lane assist, high beam assist and traffic sign recognition also comes with the Driving Assistance Pack.
4. Peugeot 3008 SUV
The Peugeot 3008 is no longer a mix between a crossover and an MPV. Unlike its predecessor, the 3008 is now a fully-pledged SUV. It has a very stylish design, with some saying it is the nicest interior ever produced for a Peugeot.
Euro NCAP has awarded the Peugeot 3008 the full five stars, despite toughening up their test criteria. Adult occupant score at 85% and 86% for child occupants. This is particularly impressive as most SUVs have a large score for larger passengers.
Al 3008s have a mandatory kit which includes stability control, tyre –pressure warning systems, and a camera that identifies road signs. Also included, is a lane-departure warning system. It seems the lane-departure system is becoming a mandatory feature in all SUVs due to the fierce competition. It is also extremely vital for the safety of the driver and passengers, preventing 38% of rear-end crashes.
5. Volva XC60
All Volvo XC6Os come with mandatory traction and safety controls, anti-lock brakes, front seat airbags and whiplash protection. Like the Seat, the Volva comes with front assist technology, helping you avoid head on collisions. Included in their mandatory package, the Volvo XC60 has a Blind Spot Information System, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors.
The Volva XC60 has style with a safety kit to protect you and the children. Along with its poshed-up, face-lift, Volva continues to do the family-thing very well.
