By Chris Ward, August 6, 2017
You might know the Prius as a gimmicky car which uses a hybrid engine to prevent emissions. Indeed, authorities in America classed the 2016 version as the most fuel-efficient model ever. But, there is more to it than a hybrid vehicle which has a 1.8l engine that reaches a top speed of more than 100 mph. It also came first in the WHATCAR? Top safety award for 2017. With an NCAP test crash percentage of 92 for adults, 82% for children and 77% for pedestrians, there aren’t many safer cars on the road.
Peugeot 3008
Wait a minute – there are 3008 versions of a Peugeot?! Whether there is or not, the important thing to understand is that the 3008 is a very safe car. In the same poll as the Prius, this Peugeot came 2nd with an 86% crash result for adults and 85% for kids. The only area it lagged significantly behind the Toyota was on pedestrian safety with 67% compared to the Prius’ 77%. What also brings its rating down is the AEB system – it doesn’t come as standard in European cars. In the UK, however, it does come included, which makes it even safer.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen has had a lot of bad press in the recent months, what with the emissions scandal. However, every cloud has a silver lining because the Tiguan has a 5 star NCAP safety rating. The NCAP is the New Car Assessment Programme for Europe, and it the tests is stringent, which makes the score even more impressive. In fact, according to their results, the Tiguan scores highest for adult safety at a whopping 96%. Plus, the safety assist features are impressive too, with wheel nuts as standard and an intelligent brake system. Just know that if you lose the wheel nut key, you will need the Locking Wheel Nut removal service. The car comes with a lot of features, but a spare is not one of them!
Vauxhall Astra
Not but not least, there is the trusty Astra. Vauxhall has been a staple of British roads for decades, and it isn’t hard to see why. Just like all of the above, it scores highly on each test. However, the sticking point is the price: it’s a lot cheaper. Compared to the others, an Astra is available at less than £16,000.
On average, that is £7,000 less than Prius, Tiguan and 3008.
