Spring is in the air, the days are getting longer, and many of us will be tempted to buy a new car. Among us, of course, will be young wipper-snappers fresh from the licensing office looking to purchase a little more freedom and autonomy.
Many parents will want to know which cars are the safest on the market, as teenagers are statistically more likely to get into an accident given their rashness and inexperience.
Consumer Reports has addressed these worries, publishing a list of the safest vehicles for beginner drivers. According to them, you should avoid giving teenagers the keys to an SUV or pickup, as the clumsiness and high centre of gravity of these vehicles increase the odds of rolling.
That being said, parents should pay particular attention to the results of crash tests conducted by reputed agencies such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. They should also look for cars that include such systems as ABS brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags.
The eight vehicles below rank highest according to these criteria. Note that the cost of insurance premiums wasn’t a factor, and that the vehicles are presented in alphabetical order.
Acura TSX (2004 and up) |
| Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com |
Ford Focus sedan (2009 and up) |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
Hyundai Sonata (2006 and up) |
| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
Hyundai Elantra (2008 and up) |
| Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com |
Mazda 3 (2007 and up) |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
Scion xB (2008 and up) - note: the earlier models are rare in Canada |
| Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |
Volkswagen Jetta (2007 and up) |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
Volkswagen Rabbit (2007 and up) |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com |
Source: Consumer Reports
