At present, Victoria has over 4.5 million licensed vehicle drivers. This number is very likely to increase dramatically, as up to 300,000 brand new drivers are likely to become proud licence holders this year. When new drivers make their way onto the busy roads, safety is always a huge concern. There is always a higher risk of getting into accidents when the driving abilities of these youngsters are not quite as refined or when experience is still lacking.
Investing in a safe car is the best thing parents can do if they want to reduce some of the worry and risk as these young adults spread their wings. Let’s take a look at some of the safest cars for new young drivers and how our Melbourne car buying agents can help you find the right fit.
New Car Buyers’ Considerations
Of course, we want to have a peek at safety ratings, ideally a car with a 5 Star ANCAP rating, when we are looking for something that is going to keep a young driver safe. Unfortunately, the safest car isn’t always the most practical for a brand-new driver. Here are some other concerns to keep in mind.
- Vehicle Size
Most new drivers are still young, single and without a family to accommodate. This means a lot of solo trips. Smaller vehicles tend to be the better option for any young driver. They are just easier to manoeuvre and more fuel-efficient. It makes perfect sense to look into the smaller vehicle categories.
- Price Range
Most young drivers are students who have yet to find their way financially. With the current cost of student loans, you just cannot expect a young driver to afford a luxury model.Often the budget might be lower which means the car may be older and not be able to have the latest 5 Star ANCAP safety features.It is usually best to stick with affordable brands, entry-level models or perhaps a good quality used car.
- Vehicle Control
It is also best to invest in a vehicle that is easy to control. Driving comfort and control make all the difference, especially for those longer trips.
The Safest Cars for a Young Driver
There are some pretty fantastic vehicle options out there in both new and used categories. Here is a quick peek at what is deemed ‘safest’ in Victoria at the moment.
- Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is currently a favourite among young drivers in Australia. The vehicle is compact, relatively affordable, fuel-efficient, extremely reliable and offers good handling. This little car also comes with many advanced safety features, like auto emergency braking, cyclist detection, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, cruise control and many more.
- Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is another very popular pick among youths because it looks sporty and offers lots of crash protection features and other safety systems like emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, cruise control, and pedestrian detection. It also is known for its reputation of building quality, reliable cars with a strong focus on a more engaging car to drive.
- VW Golf
Volkswagen’s Golf models have always been trending among young people, and their 2022 model has some great safety ratings. Because it’s been on the market for some time, you are also very likely to get a good quality used model at a very affordable price. It is renowned for having an excellent ride and quality feel on the road.
- Chery Tiggo 4
We highly recommend the Chery Tiggo 4 for young drivers who might be travelling beyond the city borders and onto more deserted roads. One of the brigades of Chinese manufacturers that are offering budget friendly cars which are highly equipped, long warrantty and more likely to get a much newer car for tight budgets. This tiny SUV is a little bit higher off the ground, making it better for those rugged terrains. Youngsters love the look of this compact vehicle, and it comes with 5-star ANCAP safety ratings.
Drive Safe From The Start – Melbourne’s Best Car Brokers are Here to Help
Is the Toyota Yaris the best option? Or should you go with a Tesla Model Y? Perhaps a Volkswagen Polo is the right pick?
At My Next Car Buying Advocacy, we can help you make the smartest – and safest – buying decision. Our car buying advocateds are here to help you find the right fit for any young driver, and we can supply you with a list of top-ranked rides that suit your budget perfectly. Our buying advocates can also help with vehicle screening, negotiations, and the purchasing processes.
Contact My Next Buying Advocacy to find 5-star safety-ranked vehicles at the most affordable price.
