Thankfully for buyers, there are a number of affordable, value-packed members of the hatchback, small SUV and even the EV segment that don’t skimp on much-needed safety features for P-Platers.
Join us as we take a look at how to find a safe P-plate vehicle and unpack ten of the best options for a safety-conscious buyer.
How to Find the Safest Cars for P-Platers in Australia?
If you’re searching high and low for the best first cars on the market in 2024, let’s take a closer look at the safest cars on offer for P-platers to avoid any parental heart attacks.
For the clearest view of your best options for a safe car for P-Plate drivers, we’re going to look at safety ratings conducted and published by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program - or ANCAP for short.
Specifically, we’re going to be looking at some of the most recent safety ratings published by ANCAP, which are conducted under a more stringent range of tests.
In short, a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2024 is far more valuable and representative of vehicle safety than one from ten years ago, because ANCAP has switched up its testing.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at ten of the safest cars on sale in 2024 for P-Platers, taking into account everything from price, ownership costs, equipment lists, fuel economy and of course, their safety credentials.
Here are the safest cars for P-Platers in Australia 2024:
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is a small car that packs a big punch when it comes to driving refinement, with VW’s rock-solid build quality and extensive safety equipment lists making for a great, safe P-plater option.
The entry-level Polo covers a number of safety fundamentals, while the mid-range Polo Style picks up features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts that are great for the urban jungle.
VW Polo Safety Equipment List: AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, driver attention alerts, curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control (Style) blind-spot monitoring (Style) and rear cross-traffic alerts (Style)
- Adult Occupant Protection: 94%
- Child Occupant Protection: 80%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 70%
- Safety Assist: 70%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2022 (expires December, 2028)
Skoda Kamiq
The Skoda Kamiq is somewhat of an underappreciated gem, with the company’s compact SUV providing a tonne of value for money bolstered by a sleek European design and lengthy seven-year warranty.
Skoda’s entry-level Kamiq boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating and a hefty list of active safety features as standard, though adaptive cruise control and travel assist are reserved for the Kamiq Monte Carlo.
Safety Equipment List: AEB with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, driver attention alerts and seven airbags.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 96%
- Child Occupant Protection: 87%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 80%
- Safety Assist: 76%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2019 (expires December, 2025)
Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota’s baby of the SUV range is one of the best picks for a P-plater, with its hybrid-only engine lineup helping to reduce fuel bills and a long list of safety equipment helping to inspire confidence behind the wheel.
As standard, the entry-level Yaris Cross GX receives adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, a rearview camera, traffic sign detection and eight airbags, while higher-ranking members of the Yaris Cross lineup receive Toyota’s full suite of clever safety tech.
Toyota Yaris Cross Safety Equipment List: AEB with intersection, pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist and vehicle detection, collision avoidance, emergency steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, blind-spot monitoring (GXL and above) surround-view monitor (GXL and above) front & rear parking support brake (GXL and above)
- Adult Occupant Protection: 86%
- Child Occupant Protection: 86%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 78%
- Safety Assist: 82%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2021 (expires December, 2027)
BYD Dolphin
While it might be one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market in 2024, the BYD Dolphin doesn’t disappoint when it comes to safety gear.
With a fresh ANCAP safety rating, lengthy equipment lists and a long warranty program, the BYD Dolphin is a great way to cut down ownership costs and hit the ground running silently thanks to its smooth electric motor.
BYD Dolphin Safety Equipment List: AEB, adaptive cruise control, front & rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, traffic sign detection, driver attention alerts, surround-view monitor with parking sensors, curtain airbags.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 96%
- Child Occupant Protection: 87%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 80%
- Safety Assist: 76%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2023 (expires December, 2029)
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a wonderful little SUV that over-delivers when it comes to interior space and practicality for the compact SUV segment.
Offering a healthy features list in the base model, a long warranty program, decent fuel economy and sizable boot space, the Seltos’ versatility is matched with impressive safety chops that make it a great option for those looking for a safe SUV for P-Platers.
Kia Seltos Safety Equipment List: AEB with vehicle and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, driver attention alerts, safe exit warning, lane-keep assist, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control (Sport+ and above)
- Adult Occupant Protection: 85%
- Child Occupant Protection: 83%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 61%
- Safety Assist: 70%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2019 (expires December, 2025)
Mazda CX-30
Mazda’s CX-30 is one of the best-looking small SUVs on the market, with great handling and a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to park and drive around town.
Inside, the CX-30’s cabin is close to the top of the class when it comes to premium design touches for the money, while a long equipment list helps sweeten the deal for potential buyers.
Mazda CX-30 Safety Equipment List: Forward & reverse AEB with pedestrian & cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alerts, driver attention alerts, rear-view camera with parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 99%
- Child Occupant Protection: 88%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 80%
- Safety Assist: 76%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2019 (expires December, 2025)
Subaru Outback
Subaru was an early adopter of active safety technology, with the EyeSight suite debuting a decade ago and remaining very much a benchmark for clever safety tech across multiple segments.
The Outback makes for a particularly safe P-Plater option thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and solid build quality, while tonnes of interior space makes for a great partner in crime for weekend adventures.
Subaru Outback Safety Equipment List: Forward & reverse AEB with junction assist, pedestrian & cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, driver attention alerts, lane-keep assist, lane-departure alerts and traffic sign recognition.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 88%
- Child Occupant Protection: 91%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 84%
- Safety Assist: 96%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2021 (expires December, 2027)
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan’s latest Qashqai range is sharper than ever, with its funky styling matched by the introduction of some fuel-efficient hybrid engines at the top of the pile.
The Qashqai’s cabin is quite accommodating for a small SUV, with a healthy amount of boot space and a long features list that includes some key active safety inclusions that are perfect for P-platers.
Nissan Qashqai Safety Equipment List: forward and reverse AEB with junction assist, pedestrian & cyclist detection, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors ProPilot (ST-L and above) parking assist (Ti).
- Adult Occupant Protection: 91%
- Child Occupant Protection: 93%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 74%
- Safety Assist: 97%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2021 (expires December 2027)
GWM Ora
GWM’s pint-sized Ora electric hatchback is an undeniable value proposition for P-Platers looking for an affordable, well-equipped and safe EV.
With smooth on-road manners and a surprising amount of space in the rear of the cabin for passengers, the Ora over-delivers when it comes to value thanks to a jam-packed equipment list and the seven year warranty.
GWM Ora Safety Equipment List: AEB with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist with lane departure alerts, collision warnings, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alerts and seven airbags.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 92%
- Child Occupant Protection: 94%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 74%
- Safety Assist: 93%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2022 (expires December, 2028)
Toyota Corolla Cross
Our list wraps up with one of the best small SUVs on the market, the Toyota Corolla Cross, which hits the market in 2024 with a hybrid-only engine lineup to help keep running costs low.
If the pint-sized Yaris Cross doesn’t quite cut the mustard in terms of practicality, the Corolla Cross’ larger platform makes for a super practical little SUV while remaining incredibly easy to drive and smooth on a long haul up the highway.
Toyota Corolla Cross Safety Equipment List: AEB with pedestrian & cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with lane centering and lane departure alerts, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, a rear-view camera and eight airbags.
Stepping up to the Corolla Cross GXL adds rear AEB and a surround-view monitor, while the Atmos picks up an upgraded surround-view monitor, parking assist and pedestrian detection for the AEB.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 85%
- Child Occupant Protection: 88%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 87%
- Safety Assist: 83%
- ANCAP Rating Date: 2022 (expires December, 2028)
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If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car or you’re looking for a safe and affordable P-plate-friendly car for the family, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help you find the best possible price.
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