Skip advert
Advertisement

S is for...

Safety kit

S is for...

Safety kit

Makers know they face a battle to convince buyers to specify safety options. Unlike alloys, leather or metallic paint, these life-saving extras aren’t visible. And as all cars have ABS and airbags as standard, drivers don’t feel they need further protection from the likes of ESP, blind spot warning and collision avoidance cameras. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is a view confirmed by Glass’s Jeff Patterson. “There is 

an expectation among second-hand buyers that modern cars 

are safe anyway,” he explained. “So they don’t think it’s worth paying extra for intangible kit that makes them even safer.”

However, the increased outlay could be worth every extra penny, even if you don’t recoup your investment at trade-in time. For instance, a 2007 Department for Transport study concluded that a staggering 380 lives could be saved and 7,800 accidents prevented each year if all cars in the UK were fitted with ESP.

On most price lists, ESP will add less to the price than optional metallic paint. And while the electronic safety net won’t make your pride and joy look any better parked on your drive, it will give you and your family peace of mind money can’t buy. Put simply, if it’s not fitted as standard, make sure you tick the box marked ‘ESP’.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,218
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,655 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025