[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/mercedes-benz\/2018s-safest-new-cars\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/mercedes-benz\/2018s-safest-new-cars\/","headline":"2018\u2019s Safest New Cars Have Now Been Named","name":"2018\u2019s Safest New Cars Have Now Been Named","description":"New car safety isn\u2019t really a topic renowned for getting the blood pumping. It\u2019s usually the focus of penny-pinching box-ticking fleet managers, but the fact is that the safety of today\u2019s latest models is an increasingly pressing issue. When the first images of the new Suzuki Jimny emerged this summer, people got more than a little giddy at the pocket off-roader\u2019s look, updated for the first time in 20 years. The reviews were equally roused, praising the Jimny\u2019s brilliance in […]","datePublished":"2018-12-13","dateModified":"2018-12-13","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018\u2019s-Safest-New-Cars-Have-Now-Been-Named-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/2018\u2019s-Safest-New-Cars-Have-Now-Been-Named-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/mercedes-benz\/2018s-safest-new-cars\/","about":["Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS","Mercedes-Benz","Volvo"],"wordCount":424,"keywords":["hyundai","lexus","mercedes","Mercedes-Benz","volvo"],"articleBody":"New car safety isn\u2019t really a topic renowned for getting the blood pumping.It\u2019s usually the focus of penny-pinching box-ticking fleet managers, but the fact is that the safety of today\u2019s latest models is an increasingly pressing issue. When the first images of the new Suzuki Jimny emerged this summer, people got more than a little giddy at the pocket off-roader\u2019s look, updated for the first time in 20 years.The reviews were equally roused, praising the Jimny\u2019s brilliance in almost every way. Almost. There was one stinky rotting fly in the ointment: its three-star safety rating. Y\u2019see, Suzuki had sort of forgotten to consider how the Jimny would fare when it was flung full pelt into a wall. And it turned out it didn\u2019t come out very well.On paper, it had enough safety kit packed in there. The spec list included things like hill descent control, lane departure warning, and no less than six airbags.In reality though, the first new Jimny in two decades should have offered \u201cfar more protection to drivers in the event of an accident and the youthful audience it has been designed for deserve better in terms of passive and active safety\u201d. Thatcham Research\u2019s director of research Matthew Avery there.Regardless of how quirky and cool a new car is, safety matters. That\u2019s the point we\u2019re trying to make here.Euro NCAPSo when Euro NCAP named its best in class for 2018 this week, we put on our sensible, responsible faces and paid due attention.In 2017, Volkswagen dominated proceedings with three models making up half of the list: the Arteon, T-Roc and Polo. Subaru outdid itself with two cars in the mix (XV, Impreza), while Volvo completed the rundown with the XC60.This time around though, there\u2019s only three models:Mercedes-Benz A\u2011Class – small family carsLexus ES – large family cars and hybridsHyundai NEXO – large off-roadAll three secured five star safety ratings during tests, with the A-Class bagging this year\u2019s best result overall.Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said his organisation introduced tough new tests in 2018, with a particular focus on vulnerable road user protection and automated driving technology.\u201cThe three best in class award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP\u2019s assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements,\u201d he said.Does safety factor into your car-buying decisions? Let us know down in the comments."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"By Manufacturer","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Mercedes Benz","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/\/mercedes-benz\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"2018\u2019s Safest New Cars Have Now Been Named","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/by-manufacturer\/mercedes-benz\/2018s-safest-new-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]