Safest supermini: Renault Clio

Renault was one of the first car makers to really grasp the significance of a good Euro NCAP rating and it has been playing the safety card ever since. The latest Clio was the highest-rated supermini last year, so the company obviously hasn’t lost its focus – or its ability to produce safe and stylish cars.

The Clio scored an impressive 99 per cent in the Safety Assist category thanks to a standard kit list that includes electronic stability control, seatbelt reminders front and rear, and a speed limiter. Predictably it also scored highly for crash protection, so their Clio is sure to be a safe buy.

It’s attractive, too, and comes with the kind of interior quality we’re used to seeing from more expensive brands, including a new touch-screen control system and lots of potential for personalisation. The Clio isn’t as fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta, but its 1.5dCi diesel engine promises CO2 emissions from as low as 83g/km, making it one of the cleanest cars in the class, as well as one of the safest.