These are the FIVE safest cars to be HIT by

As car manufacturers introduce new safety technology to their cars, so EuroNCAP must constantly modernise and improve its test criteria to keep pace with progress.

Relatively new technology included these days across segments – and tech no longer the reserve of high-end luxury models – is autonomous pedestrian detection. This is crucial in South Africa as road crash data in reveals that approximately 35% of road deaths are pedestrian deaths.

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EuroNCAP came up with the ratings below through exhaustive evaluation of all the potential risks to a pedestrian’s head, pelvis, upper and lower leg in the event of a collision.

Also, the crash performance of the car’s front-end structure, the bonnet and front edge, and windshield and bumper. Naturally, autonomous emergency braking systems receive additional points.

THE FIVE SAFEST CARS TO BE HIT BY

MAZDA CX-3

An interesting result considering it’s a slightly taller crossover, which we’d assume isn’t great for pedestrians. The CX-3 received a better Head Impact protection score than even the smaller Mazda 2. It falls a bit short on the Pelvis protection score, however.

VOLVO V40

No surprise a Volvo is on the list, given the Swedes’ obsession with safety, although we assumed it would be one of if not the safest cars to be hit by. However, according to EuroNCAP it does offer the best Head Impact protection thanks to its pop-up bonnet and world-first pedestrian airbag. Assuming it’s been specified by the owner.

INFINITI Q30

Scoring the same overall score as the BMW below, it turns out that despite its intimidating front end, the Q30 is a very safe car for pedestrians. It performed well as far as Leg Impact points go and it has more active safety systems than either the Z4 or MX-5.

BMW Z4

An overall Pedestrian Protection score of 91% with head, pelvis and leg impact points is very similar to those scored by the MX-5. That low-slung bonnet doesn’t only look good, it’s like a soft, pillowy cloud for pedestrians.

MAZDA MX-5

It scored 93% during EuroNCAP’s Pedestrian Protection tests. It scored particularly well with 21.7 points for Head Impact. Who would’ve thunk it, number one in the list of safest cars to be hit by. Another thing we’ll never hear the end of from Miata owners.