Top Automotive Safety Picks for 2017
Are you thinking about buying a new car this year? As you’re browsing car lots and looking up vehicle specs, maybe you should consider safety ratings. By virtue of their design, some cars are much safer than others. This is important to many drivers, particularly ones who are transporting their most precious cargo: their family. Across all classes we can see that technology is beginning to play a much more critical role in the safety features that automakers are adding to their cars. And did you know that a vehicle’s overall safety rating actually affects your insurance premiums?
Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) releases a list of top safety picks in each vehicle class. With safety in mind, we’re going to examine some of the winners in four popular categories: small cars, midsize cars, small SUVs and minivans. To be categorized as a top safety pick, a vehicle must: “…earn good ratings in five crashworthiness tests — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints — as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention” (iihs.org). Let’s take a close look at a few of the winners.
Small cars: Honda Civic 4-door Sedan
The Honda Civic is a 19-time bestseller in Canada, and its safety rating is just one reason why. The refined 2017 four door model is built on the 10th generation Civic platform and combines style and safety in a car that most people would be happy to drive on a daily basis. Aside from the standard safety features and the high crash test ratings, the 2017 Civic can also be purchased with optional front crash prevention.
Midsize cars: Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is now one of the most powerful midsize cars on the market with a twin-turbo V6 under the hood the produces an exhilarating 325hp. But don’t let all of that boost fool you, this is also a safe ride. The 2017 Fusion comes with a host of standard safety features like stability control, strategically placed airbags and an advanced security system. Like many other 2017 models, the Fusion also has optional front crash prevention technology.
Small SUVs: Hyundai Tucson
Consumer demand in the small SUV segment has challenged automakers to respond with more options than ever before. No longer viewed as the gas-guzzling weekend vehicles that they used to be, small SUVs are popular among commuting families. Hyundai’s 2017 Tucson reflects the evolution of this segment with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and more.
Minivans: Kia Sedona
The minivan is a classic family vehicle, and rightly so. With plenty of space for passengers and cargo, minivans are a practical choice for many families. One model in this class that’s garnered a IIHS top safety award is the 2017 Kia Sedona. Sedona owners will appreciate safety features like stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Oh, and the optional safety feature that everyone loves? Front crash prevention.
Cooke Auto Insurance
If you are in the market for a new car and you’re looking for quality auto insurance coverage from a trusted broker right here in the Maritimes, contact us at Cooke Insurance. We’ll present you with affordable coverage options that meet your needs and are specifically tailored to your driving patterns!
