The 10 safest new cars for 2019

MOTORING NEWS - The UK company Thatcham Research has revealed its list of the safest cars for 2019 based on the tests it performs for the Euro NCAP safety benchmark. Thatcham Research is the UK's only Euro NCAP-accredited crash testing centre. It performs crash testing to evaluate the protection offered by the vehicle in the event of a crash and the ability of a vehicle to avoid a crash in the first place, and assists in the development of future testing protocols for new technology.

Thatcham Research provided the information for the What Car? Safety Award's list of the safest new cars for 2019.

The winner will be announced at the end of January.

The ten safest cars available are:

Audi A6
The Audi A6 has many safety features, including a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.

Audi Q3
With the second highest overall Euro NCAP score (87%) in 2018, the car shows a positive ranking in crash testing and the highest score overall (85%) for crash avoidance technology.

Ford Focus
The latest version with its standard-fit crash avoidance technology is making roads safer. In testing, its AEB system performed just as well as some of the more expensive buys on the list. It is also fitted with a class-leading driver assistance system to support steering and braking.

Nissan Leaf

Jaguar I-Pace
One of two electric vehicles among our ten safest cars, successfully allaying concerns around the safety performance of electric vehicles. Very high adult occupant protection (94%) and crash avoidance technology (81%) scores.

Lexus ES
A Best in Class Euro NCAP winner in the large family car segment. The Lexus ES is another top safety performer from a car manufacturer with a consistent approach to safety.

Mercedes-Benz A Class
Top level safety, with the second-lowest price tag on the list. The only car in the top ten to reach 90% in terms of its overall Euro NCAP score. It also has a high performing driver assistance system to take some of the burden on long drives, adding to its safety credentials while marking an early step towards automation.

Nissan Leaf
The Nissan LEAF was the first car to go through Euro NCAP's updated testing regime and has a cyclist detection and avoidance system to protect vulnerable road users. Another electric vehicle in the top ten, offering reassurance to anyone with concerns about the electric battery being compromised in a crash.

Audi Q3

Peugeot 508
The second highest adult occupant protection score (96%) of the year and strong performance across all other judging categories. A very good speed assistance system too, along with optimal protection for child passengers in the rear.

Volvo V60 and S60
Every car Volvo has produced has achieved the maximum Euro NCAP rating. The Volvo V60 and S60 are of course no different, with an adult occupant protection score of 96%.

Jaguar I-Pace

Volvo XC40
The XC40, Volvo's offering in the burgeoning small SUV market, offers the highest adult occupant protection score (97%) of any car tested last year.