Thatcham Research has shorlisted the safest new cars available in 2023.
The results are based on crash test data from Euro NCAP and the selected models will form the shortlist for the What Car? Safety Award.
Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s chief research strategy officer, said: “Thatcham Research actively promotes innovation in both impact protection and crash avoidance technologies, and as leading advocates for the Euro NCAP programme, it is satisfying to see 50 out of the 66 cars tested in 2022 achieving a five-star rating, resulting in perhaps the strongest safest cars list we have seen.
“This is something for which carmakers should be applauded, and we are pleased so many are continuing to prioritise motorist and vulnerable road user safety – especially during times of great technological and economic disruption.”
All the cars on the 10-car shortlist are five-star performers in Euro NCAP’s tests and feature equipment that will help to ensure the safety of motorists and vulnerable road users in a new era of Assisted Driving technology.
Nine of the nominees are full Electric or Hybrid Vehicles.
“Although many households might feel that EVs are beyond their budget, it’s good to see there are more accessible options for buyers that also deliver high-end safety features as standard, and their mass-market appeal will have a big influence on motoring safety,” Avery explained.
2023’s safest new cars (in alphabetical order):
BMW X1
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Lexus NX
Mazda CX-60
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Nissan Aryia
Ora Funky Cat
Smart #1
Tesla Model Y
Toyota bZ4x
