13 Best Small Cars for Safety-Conscious Drivers

Size doesn’t always equate to safety, especially when it comes to the new generation of small cars hitting the roads. This article aims to debunk the myth that smaller cars can’t offer top-notch safety features. From advanced collision avoidance systems to high-strength steel frames, these pint-sized vehicles pack a serious safety punch.

Mini Cooper

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The Mini Cooper has received impressive safety scores in the past. Features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a well-built frame contribute to its safety profile. It often receives high marks in IIHS testing.

Honda Fit

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The Honda Fit is lauded for its high-quality safety features, including Honda Sensing, which offers adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation. The car has previously scored high in NHTSA crash tests.

Chevrolet Spark

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The Spark offers 10 airbags and comes standard with a rearview camera. It also includes optional advanced safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The car has respectable safety ratings from the NHTSA.

Fiat 500

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The Fiat 500 has seven airbags and offers additional safety features like rear parking sensors. Although compact, its design focuses on safety with high-strength steel components.

Ford Fiesta

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The Fiesta offers Ford’s MyKey system, which allows parents to set speed and volume controls for younger drivers. It has previously received commendable safety scores in various crash tests.

Kia Rio

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The Rio features a variety of safety technologies like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Its structure also employs high-strength steel to improve safety during a collision.

Hyundai Accent

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With six airbags and optional safety features like forward-collision warning, the Accent is a small car focusing on safety. It has received respectable scores in safety tests.

Mazda2

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Although not sold in the U.S., the Mazda2 is highly regarded for its safety features, including multiple airbags and advanced braking systems. It has received high safety ratings in tests conducted in other countries.

Nissan Versa

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The Versa offers Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes a host of features like rear automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. It has received commendable ratings in crash tests.

Suzuki Alto

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Popular in markets outside the U.S., the Suzuki Alto features a robust body and multiple airbags. While not as loaded with tech features as others, it generally receives good marks for basic safety.

Mitsubishi Mirage

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Equipped with seven airbags and a RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, the Mirage is built with safety in mind and has received decent ratings in various safety tests.

Smart Fortwo

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This microcar offers a unique Tridion safety cell designed to dissipate energy upon impact. It has crosswind assist as a standard feature and has performed adequately in crash tests.

Citroën C1

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Popular in Europe, the Citroën C1 offers six airbags and an ESP system that improves stability during maneuvers. It is designed for city driving and includes safety features aimed at that environment.

This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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