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Top ten safest cars special

Our guide to the safest cars on the road.

MINI crash

By Jack Rix August 2009

It's become second nature for modern drivers to 'clunk, clip, every trip', but the three-point seatbelt hasn't been around forever. August 2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of its invention - by a Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959. And it wasn't until ten years later, in 1969, that the inertia-reel system was developed, improving comfort and safety simultaneously.

Fortunately for the millions of lives its saved over the years, despite patenting the design, Bohlin soon recognised the benefits his invention could offer - and made the technology available for all manufacturers to install. Nowadays its still the most important piece of safety equipment fitted to your car.

So to mark the Golden anniversary of one of the twentieth century's most significant inventions, we've gathered together the safest cars you can buy according to Euro NCAP's points scoring system, in ten separate categories, to demonstrate just how far road safety has come.


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1 Comment

Seat Belt Restriction!

Clunk Click Every Trip.

I'm a Professional Driver by trade(HGV Driver), I see most seatbealts are worn, there are a few who seem to put the belt into the latch and then sit down on the belt. I've done this myself as it does sometimes seem to constrict your movement, lets say if you try to move forward a bit to get comfy from driving for so long, it does sometime lock up.

I wish the same laws applied to Mobile Phone Users....... But then thats a topic in itself!

By minivip on 11 June, 2010, 10:25pm

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Safest executive: Lexus GS

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Peugeot 1007

Safest supermini: Peugeot 1007

Peugeot's innovative 1007 supermini hasn't proved a hit in the sales charts, but it's the safest car in its class.
Renault Laguna

Safest family car: Renault Laguna

The last-generation Laguna made history when it scored five-stars, and the latest model follows in its footsteps.
Volvo V70

Safest estate: Volvo V70

There's no surprise to find the Volvo V70 is the safest load-luggger on the road.
Renault Megane CC

Safest convertible: Renault Megane CC

The Megane CC certainly carries on Renault's fine tradition for producing extremely safe cars.
nissan qashqai

Safest small family car: Nissan Qashqai

Not only is the Qashqai topping the sales charts, it’s leading the way for passenger protection, too.
land Rover Freelander

SUV: Land Rover Freelander

On or off-road, this is one of the safest SUVs you can buy.
Mercedes C-class

Safest compact executive: Mercedes C-Class

Brimming with hi-tech safety kit, the C-Class really looks after you.
Peugeot 407 Coupe

Safest coupe: Peugeot 407 Coupe

Sleek and head-turning, the 407 Coupe is more than just a pretty face.
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