SUV: Land Rover Freelander

'The best 4x4 by far' was the advertising tagline for Land Rovers of old...and these days that still holds true, particulalry when it comes to the Freelander 2 – the safest SUV in its class. This is one sophisticated motor car: under the skin it's packed full of technology including traction and stability control, roll stability control and seven airbags. 

Add in an immensely strong monocoque body and inner safety cell with front and rear crumple zones, ultra-high-strength steel door beams, as well as facia cross-rails – which help minimise the risk of the front screen pillars spreading during impact – and it's perhaps no surprise EuroNCAP awarded the Freelander 2 its maximum five-star rating.

Also worth mentioning in this sector are Nissan X-Trail, which takes the award for child protection, and the Suzuki SX4, which is top of the class when it comes to pedestrian protection.