Features
17 jan 20

These are the safest cars of 2019

Which are the safest cars in the land? Vehicle assessment specialist Euro NCAP has rated the 41 new models that earned its top five-star rating in 2019 (out of 55 tested). 

Tesla did remarkably well out of it, landing the top spot in three out of the six categories – the Hybrid & Electric category, but also Large off-road vehicles and Large family cars (the latter a joint first place with the BMW 3 Series). 

Excellent vehicles

The 3 Series scored better in pedestrian protection and the Model 3 was superior in Safety Assist. Overall, both vehicles received an identical score. 

If nothing else, this proves that Tesla manufactures not just excellent electric vehicles, but also excellent vehicles as such

The year’s best overall rating for all categories was for the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which scored more than 90% in three out of the four areas of safety – enough for the brand to regain pole position in the Small family cars segment. 

In the Small off-road / MPV class, the tie is for second place, between the Mazda CX-30 and the VW T-Cross, behind the Subaru Forester, while in the Superminis class, the Audi A1 and the Renault Clio tied for first place ahead of runner-up Ford Puma.

Six classes

Here are the safest cars in six vehicle classes:

  • Large family cars:
    • Tesla Model 3 / BMW 3 Series
    • (Runner-up: Skoda Octavia)

 

  • Large off-road vehicles:
    • Tesla Model X
    • (Runner-up: SEAT Tarraco)

 

  • Small family cars:
    • Mercedes-Benz CLA
    • (Runner-up: Mazda 3)

 

  • Small off-road vehicles / MPVs:
    • Subaru Forester
    • (Runner-up: Mazda CX-30 / VW T-Cross)

 

  • Superminis:
    • Audi A1 / Renault Clio
    • (Runner-up: Ford Puma)

 

  • Hybrid & Electric cars:
    • Tesla Model 3
    • (Runner-up: Tesla Model X)
Authored by: Frank Jacobs