Thatcham’s safest cars: EVs take top spots

Thatcham Research reveals the safest new cars of 2021 – and electrified powertrains are front and centre

Thatcham Research has revealed the UK’s safest new cars of 2021, with EV and hybrid models demonstrating impressive safety advancements ahead of the 2030 ban on new combustion engine sales.

Making a positive impact this year are the safety-conscious EQS from Mercedes-EQ, Nissan’s popular Qashqai, and the all-electric Enyaq by Škoda. Also featured are the Volvo-derived Polestar 2 and the hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross.

Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research says: “It's fantastic to see carmakers continuing to prioritise safety, with all but four vehicles tested by Euro NCAP in 2021 achieving a four or five-star rating. Most are rising to the safety challenge and it’s encouraging to note EVs are performing very well as a group too.”

In fact it was almost a clean sweep for electrified vehicles in the top safety picks.

And the winners are...

Brand: Mercedes-EQ
Model: EQS
Type: EV

The EQS scored some of the best Euro NCAP test results of the year, impressing judges with its improved Safety Assist technology and occupant protection, including a centre console-mounted airbag to contain occupants during side impacts.

Brand: Nissan
Model: Qashqai
Type: Combustion engine

The top-selling Qashqai is one of the best-ever performing cars in Euro NCAP tests, achieving more than 90% in three out of four safety categories. Applauded for its Reverse Automatic Braking, Lane Support and Emergency Lane Keeping functions, the Qashqai’s popularity and price point offset the current absence of all-electric or hybrid versions from its range. Tipped to make a big impact on road safety due to its mass-market appeal and Nissan’s commitment to rolling out safety features across its range.

Brand: Polestar
Model: 2
Type: EV

This is the first model from the new electric-car brand to be tested against Euro NCAP protocols and has all the safety features you would expect from a Volvo-derived full EV. The car was commended for its impressive passive safety performance, due to its excellent body structure and very effective restraint systems.

Brand: Škoda
Model: Enyaq
Type: EV

This entry-level compact crossover SUV scored well in frontal offset testing, with the car engineered to minimise damage to other vehicles in a collision, and its Adult Occupant Protection score of 94% was the second highest of all the cars tested.

Brand: Toyota
Model: Yaris Cross
Type: Hybrid

The Yaris Cross was commended for its encouraging overall performance in safety tests and its affordability. Judges felt the car’s popularity will help democratise safety technology, allowing many motorists to access and benefit from recent innovations.