Currently reading: Promoted: Why the Toyota Prius won the What Car? Safety Award
Crash protection and innovative safety tech nets hybrid machine honours in Thatcham Research-sponsored award

The Toyota Prius has been highlighted as one of the safest cars on the road today after being named the winner of this year’s What Car? Safety Award, sponsored by Thatcham Research.

The annual award from Autocar’s sister publication rewards cars for both strong crash test scores and for innovative safety systems.

The Prius scored very well on both counts. It has the highest overall Euro NCAP crash test score of any car tested in 2016, and a superior level of standard-fit safety systems, including class-leading ‘reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking’ system.

The panel of judges, comprised of leading road car safety experts, also highly commended the Peugeot 3008 and Volkswagen Tiguan. Both cars were praised for offering a high level of safety systems fitted as standard.

Thatcham Research’s Matthew Avery, one of the judging panel, explained why the three cars stood out among this year’s contenders. To hear his thoughts, watch this video.

For more information on Thatcham Research, visit thatcham.org/car-safety.

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bowsersheepdog 27 January 2017

Inviting trouble

I'm not much interested in paying more to protect people who can't be bothered to look after their own safety when they cross the road. And how long will it be before the yobs and criminals start using these devices to stop cars and rob their drivers? It won't seem like such a brilliant idea to have a car which stops automatically when owners have a knife hanging out of their ribs.
Revenge of the Prius 13 January 2017

Prius also most reliable

Not only is the Prius one of the safest vehicles you can buy, it is also, unlike the VW and Peugeot, exceptionally reliable, efficient and low-emissions.