Safety is a key vehicle selection criterion for fleets and Thatcham Research, whose work includes highly complex crash testing and undertaking collision avoidance scenarios on behalf of the Euro NCAP has identified its 10 safest new cars for 2019.

The cars identified provide users with top-level crash protection and crash avoidance technology.

They are: the Audi A6, Audi Q3, Ford Focus, Jaguar I-Pace, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Nissan Leaf, Peugeot 508, Volvo V60/S60 and Volvo XC40.

The vehicles are also competing for the Safety Award 2019 from publication What Car?; the winner of which will be revealed later this month.

Matthew Avery, What Car? Safety Award judge and director of research at Thatcham Research said: “It’s clear that occupants of the latest cars are at a lower risk than ever. This means the 10 cars in this list are some of the safest ever made, anywhere in the world.

“All the cars in the list not only have Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems to prevent or mitigate crashes into other vehicles, but they can also cope with the much tougher challenge of detecting cyclists and pedestrians.

“All cars in the top 10 have systems which can provide highly effective assistance to drivers – by managing speed, offering steering support should a car drift out of lane, and maintaining a safe distance to the car in front. These systems are forming the foundations of automated driving and will improve road safety. However, drivers must remember they need to always be in control and avoid over-relying on them.”

Above Image: WhatCar?