Safest Family Cars

When it comes to buying a car for you and your family, understandably your first concern will be how safe it really is. 

Whether you are new to family life, or want to cater for an ever-growing family, then safety will be a top priority when it comes to school runs and weekend getaways. 

If you want to find out what car is the safest one for your family, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we reveal the cars which are rated by Euro NCAP as the safest to drive - and they’re all available here at Wilsons Epsom.   

What is Euro NCAP?

Thanks to Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), we all have a much better idea of which cars are classed as the safest year on year. To give us a thorough understanding, Euro NCAP has created a five-star safety rating system to compare vehicles more easily - from the safest cars on the market, to the not-so-safe.

So how do Euro NCAP determine these results? Well, vehicles undergo a series of tests that represent real-life accident-based scenarios using crash test dummies. These tests allow Euro NCAP to further understand during the reconstruction if vehicle occupants could be injured or even worse, killed.

Euro NCAP-tested vehicles each have a rating between 0-5 stars based on their overall safety performance - the higher the star rating, the safer a vehicle is. Below, we’ve summarised what each star-rating means according to the official Euro NCAP website:

5 STARS: Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology. 

4 STARS: Overall good performance in crash protection and all round; additional crash avoidance technology may be present. 

3 STARS: At least average occupant protection but not always equipped with the latest crash avoidance features. 

2 STARS: Nominal crash protection but lacking crash avoidance technology.

1 STAR: Marginal crash protection and little in the way of crash avoidance technology.

0 STARS: Meeting type-approval standards so can legally be sold but lacking critical modern safety technology.  

What are the safest family cars? 

Based on Euro NCAP’s five-star safety rating system, this year’s safest family cars have been revealed. Each of these vehicles has been awarded five-stars to highlight each model’s overall excellent safety rating.

Based on the thorough tests and reconstructions by Euro NCAP, categories are drawn up and a percentage-based figure out of 100 attributed to each, so you can understand the breakdown of safety per category. These four categories are:

1. Adult Occupant
2. Child Occupant
3. Vulnerable Road Users
4. Safety Assist  

We’ve shared the percentage results of each car in these four categories, from images courtesy of euroncap.com. Take a look at the models featured below to discover the ideal family car for you… 

Renault Megane E-Tech

The first model to be based on Renault’s new dedicated electric vehicle platform, the Renault Megane E-Tech has achieved a top five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in early 2022. 

From horsepower to electric power, the all new Renault Megane E-Tech is 100% electric showcasing an updated compact body, crossover style design. Built for maximised safety, the Renault Megane E-Tech houses up to 26 driver-assistance and safety systems.

Smart driver-assistance systems monitor traffic conditions and help alert the driver to unexpected events on the road. The best in safety technology, expect much more from the all new Megane E-Tech as standard, including:

• Blind spot warning 
• Rear automatic emergency braking
• Distance warning 
• Lane keeping assist
• Road sign recognition
• Road sign recognition with speed alert
• Active emergency braking system

Discover the Renault Megane E-Tech here at Wilsons Renault in Epsom, Surrey. As one of the oldest Renault dealerships in the UK, we’re trusted for our product knowledge and expertise across the entire Renault range. 

Nissan Qashqai

The all-new Nissan Qashqai is dedicated to making you feel confident behind the wheel. Achieving five-star safety status in 2021, you’ll benefit from intelligent technology that increases safety for you and everyone else on the road. 

Described by Nissan as the ultimate crossover, the all-new Qashqai perfectly blends hatchback compactness with SUV practicality. Advanced technology lends a helping hand during the daily drive so you’ll not only feel more confident, but have greater awareness on the roads too.

Expect SUV safety with Nissan Intelligent Mobility which includes:

• Intelligent emergency braking
• Intelligent forward collision
• Intelligent lane intervention
• Rear automatic braking
• Central airbag
• Lane departure prevention 
• Rear cross traffic alert

Discover the all-new Nissan Qashqai here at Wilsons Nissan in Epsom, Surrey. With its forward-thinking design, Nissan is a truly modern car brand that will cater for all of the family’s needs.    

Hyundai TUCSON

Awarded five-star safety status in 2021, the Hyundai TUCSON is a bold and charismatic family-friendly compact SUV which is as reliable as it is stylish. Exciting powertrains, advanced safety features and standout technology combine to create a car that’s fresh, unique and ready to tackle any journey. 

Winner of mid-size SUV of the Year, the Hyundai TUCSON is first and foremost a family car, so there’s a versatile interior and a vast 620-litre boot to fit in all of life’s adventures. Enjoy peace of mind with best-in-class safety for you and the people you love.

Driver-assistance systems and a comprehensive active safety package are top class. You can expect:

• Highway Drive Assist (HDA)
• Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Enhanced safety with 7 airbags 

Discover the Hyundai TUCSON here at Wilsons Hyundai in Epsom, Surrey. As one of the most popular vehicle marques on UK roads today, Hyundai’s selection of new cars provides something to suit the needs of everyone.

MG HS

The MG brand offers buyers an exciting and high-quality alternative to the conventional choices. A great choice for families, the MG HS is a large fully-fledged SUV which was awarded five-star safety status in 2019. 

Its advanced MG Pilot Driver Assist package system ensures a safe environment for the entire family. Safety features such as collision warning technology, automatic braking and lane keep assist help keep you protected on the road. 

The MG HS is an SUV made for family living combining a striking design with a range of family-friendly features and a spacious interior to match. 

Discover the MG HS here at Wilsons MG in Epsom, Surrey. MG is the fastest growing car brand in the UK, fielding a six-car range of practical and affordable hatchbacks, SWs and SUVs. 

Renault Clio

Achieving five-star safety status in 2019, the Renault Clio is a small but perfectly formed car to consider for family life. When it comes to safety, Renault has everything covered in the Clio - the model boasts several safety systems designed to prevent accidents, keeping you and your family safe.

Lane Keeping Assist comes as standard in all Renault Clio models, and Blind Spot Warning detects vehicles in or near your blind spot and illuminates a warning light in your rear view mirrors. Passenger safety is also covered with six airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints too.

Discover the Renault Clio here at Wilsons Renault in Epsom, Surrey. As a long-standing Renault dealer in Surrey, visit us for a test drive with the assistance of one of our knowledgeable Renault experts.    

PEUGEOT 3008 and the PEUGEOT 5008

Firstly receiving a five-star rating back in 2016, PEUGEOT’s 3008 and 5008 dominate the SUV market in their respective fields. Both models share the same platform, the only difference being that the PEUGEOT 5008 is a seven-seater model, compared to the PEUGEOT 3008 which is a standard five-seater.

Designed to tick many boxes, the PEUGEOT 3008 is a multi-award winning SUV that exudes great style and exceptional performance. Safety conscious motorists will undoubtedly be impressed by the volume and capability of the driver assistance measures to be found too. 

By incorporating the very latest radar and camera technology, safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Smartbeam Assistant all provide you with active support on each and every adventure you take.

Redesigned from the ground up, the PEUGEOT 5008 brings a new way of thinking into the SUV segment. The seven-seater SUV offers top-of-the-range features to enhance your PEUGEOT experience whilst keeping you and your family safe. 

Expect on the road driving aids, such as the latest generation automatic emergency braking system, extended road sign recognition technology, 360-degree visual parking aid and Park Assist. 

Discover the PEUGEOT 3008 and PEUGEOT 5008 here at Wilsons PEUGEOT in Epsom, Surrey. As one of the largest PEUGEOT dealerships in Surrey and the South of England, we work closely with the manufacturer to help our customers drive their superb range of cars. 

Family cars at Wilsons Epsom

If you’re searching for a car to suit you and your family, then look no further… Here at Wilsons Epsom, you’ll be spoilt for choice; we are the largest family-run new and used car supermarket in the South of England, and have been selling cars for over 117 years. 

We're proud to represent 11 new car brands - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Hyundai, Nissan, Nismo, Peugeot, MG, Renault & Dacia - as well as stocking over 1,000 nearly new and used cars on-site that you can browse online today.

Come and see us or book a test drive today!