Safest estate: Volvo V70

It's no coincidence that it was a Volvo engineer who devised the three-point seatbelt exactly 50 years ago - the Swedish manufacturer has always led the way in safety innovations.

And the latest V70 estate is no exception. Optional safety features includea blind-spot warning system, vehicle distance alert, and lane-departure warning system, while traction and stability control are standard - ensuring the driver has the best possible chance of avoiding an accident.

But in the event of an impact front, side, and curtain airbags as well as anti-whiplash headrests are all standard. Volvo is even making strides in pedestrian protection - a notoriously overlooked area - by incorporating a soft structure ahead of the front bumper to help prevent leg injuries.