When you’re driving small children, your top priority is keeping them safe but it’s not practical to drive around in an armoured tank, and a small car that’s high on safety is more realistic for most families. In this article we look at the small cars that offer the highest Child Occupant Protection (COP) rating from ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme). The COP rating evaluates the level of protection the vehicle offers to a child seated in appropriate child restraints in the rear seats. So, based on our findings which vehicles top the child safety chart?
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 92% (all variants)
Engine: 100kW petrol
Price: From $69,104 plus on-road costs
Clean car rebate: $1,150
When you want a family car with outstanding safety credentials and the very latest technology, the B-Class is a fantastic choice. A comfortable and quiet drive, with a focus on stability and safety, the whole family will enjoy travelling in this vehicle. It has a plush interior, with top-end build quality and space for three children – or adults – in the back seat. Flexible seat settings give you plenty of options for storage and transport, and the 575L boot (when fully extended) means you can get all the suitcases in the back. Intelligent assistance systems take the stress out of driving, and Active Distance Assist and Active Brake Assist help regulate your following distance and prevent collisions.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 91% (all variants)
Engine: 165kW petrol
Price: From $78,180 plus on-road costs
There are 26 A-Class models, including the A 250 4MATIC in Hatch (details below) and Sedan, and several AMG options.
The sporty-looking A-Class is a small car with huge technology. Nippy and responsive, it’s a comfortable ride, super easy to park and with the typically impressive Mercedes safety features. Its interior is one of the best in its class, with top-end features like the MBUX multimedia system which can be controlled from the steering wheel. The Mercedes me connect app links your phone to your car, so you can monitor fuel use and tyre pressure – and it will even find your car if you can’t remember where you’ve parked.
Mazda 3
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 89% (all variants)
Engine: 114kW petrol
Price: From $37,990 plus on-road costs
Available in five hatch models and two sedan models.
The most affordable on this list, Mazda 3 is a small car packed with far more features than you might expect. It provides a sharp, responsive driving experience, with the Skyactiv-G system improving the fuel efficiency. Every model features windscreen-projected Active Driving Display, Mazda Connect phone-linked infotainment system, and a seven-inch LCD centre display. On the safety front, you get Smart Brake Support, Lane-keep Assist and Radar Cruise Control as standard. A super all-round family hatchback.
Volkswagen Golf 8
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 89% (all Golf 8 variants)
Engine: 110kW
Price: From $49,990 plus on-road costs
A Kiwi favourite for decades, the VW Golf is an icon on our roads and continues to deliver top-quality German features at a reasonable price. It’s the classic small family hatchback, with an eight-speed transmission which gives you seamless gear changing, perfect for driving round town. The Golf 8 also has more advanced connectivity than previous models. You get heads-up display, wireless app-connect and the intelligent driver assistance systems, which are designed to help you drive comfortably and stay safe.
BMW 1 Series
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 89%
Engine: 103kW
Price: From $58,900 plus on-road costs
The 1 Series includes the 118i M Sport Hatch and the M135i xDrive Hatch.
A spacious hatchback that will turn heads, the 1 Series is stylish and sporty. It has a seven-speed Steptronic transmission, and it’s a dream to drive around town, with excellent suspension that soaks up all the bumps. It has a well-built and intuitive interior, with plenty of adjustment to accommodate all shapes and sizes. The back seat has plenty of legroom and space for the kids, although the headroom might be a little snug for taller adults. You get Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant, and active cruise control to help maintain a safe following distance.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
ANCAP child occupant protection rating: 89% (all variants)
Engine: 103kW petrol
Price: From $65,900 plus on-road costs
Available in 218i Gran Coupé and the M235i xDrive Gran Coupé.
A lovely driving experience, the front-wheel drive Gran Coupé has a seven-speed Steptronic transmission, and its smooth ride makes it ideal for long-distance journeys. Solid and refined, you have superb road visibility and the car handles beautifully thanks to its agile steering system. Storage is ample, and the kids will fit in the back with no problem, although taller adults may find the space a little limited. The digital key turns your compatible phone into a vehicle key, while the heads-up display keeps you fully informed. The 3 Series features the same suite of technological assistance systems as the 1 Series, which helps both models achieve their outstanding safety ratings.