Safest supermini

Europeans drive more superminis than any other type of car, so ensuring these popular and affordable models achieve similar safety standards to bigger and more expensive offerings is a real life-saver.
 
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However, Euro NCAP’s best performer in this market will leave you scratching your head – not in surprise at its strength, but in confusion as to why it has been classified it in this category! We at Auto Express wouldn’t include the Honda CR-Z hybrid in this sector as it’s effectively a two-seater coupé. Nevertheless, the firm has done a great job of engineering impressive safety into its smallest petrol-electric model. The solid body stood up well to all three of the impact angles, while whiplash readings from rear shunts were good as well.

Despite the edgy body styling, pedestrian safety scores were high, and testers were impressed by the standard stability control and seatbelt reminders. But the Honda’s tiny rear chairs mean that 

the front passenger seat must be moved forwards whenever boosters are fitted in the back – which hampers its child safety score. 

If you want a more practical supermini choice, the second-placed Suzuki Swift is the answer. It proves that a value-priced small car can have impressive safety credentials, too.