As modern safety standards have improved, more affordable models are coming with a high level of security that makes buying a safe car much easier.
But few cheap models actually come with a five-star Euro NCAP from standard. Here are five of the cheapest cars with that top safety rating…
Volkswagen Polo
The latest version of the popular supermini was built to be perfect for driving around town and ensuring the driver is aware of their surroundings in an enclosed environment. As standard, the Polo comes with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning with front assist and speed assist, as well as all-round airbags. Prices for the Polo start from £14,235 for the S version.
Seat Ibiza
Seat’s similarly sized supermini is well equipped to keep drivers safe on the road, and the Ibiza has great crash test scores as well. Available with tiredness recognition from a higher trim, as standard it comes with front assist, multi-collision braking, automatic warning lights and hill hold assist. The stylish Ibiza starts at £15,595.
Hyundai i30
This large hatchback comes with a wide range of safety features, and top-spec models can get blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. But it also has a good amount from the base level, including autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and hill start assist. Prices for the i30 range start from £17,000.
Ford Fiesta
Even though the Fiesta doesn’t come with autonomous emergency braking as a standard feature, the supermini has speed assistance and a lane assist system from the base Zetec spec. Higher trims come with traffic sign recognition and driver alert, with brake assist available as part of the Driver Assistance Pack. Adaptive cruise control is also available. Prices for the Fiesta start at £13,715.
Toyota Yaris
Despite being cheaper than the Fiesta to start off with, the Yaris comes with a higher level of safety equipment from the base trim. Systems such as pre-collision detection, lane departure alert and automatic high beam are all fitted from the Active trim as part of the Toyota Safety Sense package. Road sign assist and cruise control are available further up the specifications. Prices for the Yaris start from £13,015.
