South African roads are becoming more and more dangerous every day which means motorists need to become increasingly vigilant. Unfortunately, we can’t always prevent an accident from happening.
The chances of serious injury or even death whilst driving a car carrying passengers can be minimised by choosing a car that has a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.1 Such cars are thoroughly tested to see how well they can handle various types of impacts and how such impacts affect the driver, passenger or pedestrian. 1
[Please note that the Euro NCAP specifications are not necessarily valid in Africa. They do however offer some invaluable insights into the safety of specific models! For Africa, we need to also consider testing through Global NCAP.]
How bad are South African roads when it comes to road safety?
Our last festive season saw 1,612 deaths on South African roads, with an increase from 1,527 deaths from the previous year. 2 This was reported by the preliminary Festive Season Road Safety Report from the former Transport Minister, Blade Nzimande, for the period 1st December 2018 – 8th January 2019. The carnage on South African roads continues unabated. 2
Based on last year’s statistics, fatalities increased by 80% in the Northern Cape, 28% in the Free State, and 22% in the Eastern Cape. These were the highest recorded percentages of fatalities in that year. Thankfully, Gauteng recorded a 19% decrease during this period. 2
Statistics show that 90% of these fatalities were caused by human error, rather than by vehicle factors. 2
Top 10 safest cars to buy in South Africa in 2019
The below selection of new vehicles are listed in descending order of price and all have 5-Star Euro NCAP vehicle safety ratings.
- BMW X5 – from R1 194 2963
This luxurious SUV has a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. It has ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist, traction control, stability control and 6 airbags.
- Range Rover Evoque – from R738 4753
The Range Rover Evoque is safe on and off the road and boasts a 5-Star NCAP rating due to it having ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, traction control and 6 airbags.
- Hyundai Santa Fe – from R609 9003
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great family car for the everyday motorist. The following features have earned it a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating: ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, stability control, and 6 airbags.
- Lexus UX – from R602 0003
The new Lexus is quirky and classy, and safe, scoring a Euro NCAP safety rating of 5-Stars. It has ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, stability control and 8 airbags.
- Volvo XC40 – from R519 4003
Volvo has enjoyed some of the best safety ratings in the world when it comes to car manufacturing. The XC40 has a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. It has ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, stability control and 6 airbags.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class – from R500 0123
The new A-Class is ideal for a small family or young professional. Mercedes lives up to its reputation when it comes to safety, scoring a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. It has ABS, EBD, traction control, brake assist, stability control, and up to 9 airbags.
- Toyota RAV4 – from R423 5003
The Toyota RAV4 has been in the motoring world for two decades and has come a long way since its first appearance – not only in looks but in safety as well. Having ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and 7 airbags qualifies it for a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating.
- Mazda 3 – from R357 0003
Mazda has levelled up with the new Mazda 3 model. This car enjoys a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating and is equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and 7 airbags.
- Volkswagen T-Cross – from R334 6003
This new city slicker from VW is not only safe but great for the whole family too. It has a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating because of the ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, tractions control and 6 airbags.
- Renault Clio – from R228 9003
The good old faithful Clio never disappoints when it comes to safety, plus it comes with an awesome, affordable price tag too. Equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control, stability control and 4 airbags earn it a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating.
Euro NCAP ratings ensure that injuries and fatalities are reduced through testing vehicles’ safety aspects and more. Hopefully, Euro NCAP rating-related vehicle requirements or something similar will become compulsory in South Africa one day.
Are you looking to buy a new car? Perhaps a vehicle on this list? Then perhaps you should consider your car insurance options as well? Affordable car insurance is available with PMD.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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