The Safest Small and Mid-Size Cars on the Road

The acknowledged organization for assigning safety ratings in Australia is the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). ANCAP conducts crash tests on vehicles and assigns its "Five Star" safety rating for the safest small and mid-size cars on the road. This is a prized classification appreciated by all car manufacturers.

Common safety features include superior brake systems, multiple airbags and electronic systems for improving road handling. These are some of the most common safety systems:

- Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS)
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather (DNA)
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- G-Force Control Technology (GCT)
- Intelligent Safety System (ISS)
- Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

Here are the the safest small and mid-size cars on the road, all of which have received a Five-Star ANCAP Safety Rating:

+ Alfa Romeo Giuletta
The Alfa Romeo Giuletta has driver and passenger airbags along with DNA technology, which permits programming of engine, brakes and steering to different weather and road conditions. The Giuletta received the Euro NCAP award as Europe's Safest Compact Car.

+ Ford Focus
With ABS, ESC, TCS and ISS (for measuring the severity of the crash), the Ford Focus has one of the most advanced systems for airbag deployment in small cars.

+ Honda City
The Honda City has six airbags, along with quite a complement of safety systems - ACE, BA, EBD, ESC, GCT, TCS and VSA.

+ Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer has the RISE technology along with curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, ABS, DSC, EBD, TCS and side door impact beams. It is a top safety pick among mid-size cars.

+ Hyundai i20
The reinforced body containing front and rear crumple zones along with side impact intrusion bars on the door give the Hyundai i20 superior protection. The following safety features are also included: ABS, EBD, ESC and TCS.

+ Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has curtain airbags, ABS and ESC.

+ Mazda 3
Mazda creates front and rear crumple zones with its "Triple H" safety construction. Curtain airbags, ABS, BA, DSC, EBD and TCS are all included on the Mazda 3.

+ Peugeot 207
A reinforced passenger safety cell on the Peugeot 207 creates a protective space during an accident. Its
advanced braking system, six airbags and ESC also make it one of the safest small cars on the road.

+ Subaru Impreza
Its ring-shaped safety cell makes the Subaru Impreza a safe pick. With six airbags, ABS, BA and DSC, this
vehicle shows its dedication to safety.

+ Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla small hatchback has seven airbags, BA, DSC, EBD and TCS.

+ Volkswagen Golf
Seven airbags surround the occupants of the Volkswagen Golf. ABS, EBD and ESC are also included.