The Euro NCAP pedestrian safety tests measure the impact of adult and child sized models against the bumper and bonnet. Cars which score well have bumpers and bonnets which are deformable and spread the impact over a large area.

Fiat Punto and Fiat 500:

All models of the Fiat Punto feature ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and six airbags on all but the basic model. Models equipped with the 1.4 Sporting or 1.9 Multijet engines also get electronic stability programme with Hill Holder, which keeps the car stationary on slopes, giving the driver time to move from the brake to the accelerator without rolling backwards. Fiat 500, yet another graet hit from Fiat also meets the EuroNCAP guidelines.

Peugeot 1007 and Peugeot 207:

The Peugeot 1007 has a full five star rating for occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash test programme. It also scored three stars for child protection and two for pedestrian safety. The Peugeot 207 CC also has scored the maximum rating for safety. Both trim levels – Sport and GT – come with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, pop-up rollover hoops behind the rear seats and driver, passenger, side and driver’s knee airbags as standard.

Vauxhall Corsa:

All models of the Vauxhall Corsa feature driver and passenger airbags, while models from the Club version we tested upwards have front side and curtain airbags.

Renault Clio:

Renault has an excellent safety record and hence the Renault Clio scored five-stars in EuroNCAP crash testing. Six airbags are standard, as are seatbelt pretensioners and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. ABS and ESP help prevent skids.

Toyota Yaris:

All Toyota Yaris models are fitted with ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist to help prevent skids. Its seats are specially designed to reduce risk of whiplash injury.

Mazda 2 :

All models of the Mazda 2 feature driver and passenger airbags and an alarm and immobiliser as standard while the TS2 and Sport trims also getting curtain ‘bags.

Read full car reviews of the above Superminis