Safest hatchbacks under P1 million

We previously curated our car guide and got the smallest cars with the best safety features. These cars have price tags that are under P600,000. However, what about those that are beyond this price mark?

Just like the previous article, we looked into each car’s specs sheet and set the features that we’ll consider to classify each car as safe.

Upon checking, airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are common among the cars, while the availability of other features like electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchor vary for each brand.

Honda Jazz 1.5 VX+ CVT (P973,000)

Among the hatchbacks under a P1 million, the Honda Jazz 1.5 VX+ CVT is the one packed with most safety features. This particular variant has a complete set of airbags for the driver and passenger. It also comes with side and curtain airbags as well as ABS and EBD. Aside from those, the Jazz VX+ CVT variant has vehicle stability assist (VSA), ISOFIX child anchor seats, and hill start assist.

All these features come at a price, though. The Honda Jazz VX+ has the highest price tag among this list, with P973,000. However, if you want the one with the lesser price tag, you can opt for the P933,000 VX variant – you just need to settle with less side and curtain airbags.

Ford Fiesta Hatchback Trend AT, Sport, Sport+ (P805,000 – P905,000)

Ranging from P805,000 to P905,000, the automatic transmission variants (a.k.a. Power Shift) of the Ford Fiesta are packed with notable safety features. Aside from the usual dual front airbags and ABS with EBD, these hatchbacks have stability control and hill start assist. The rear seats also have ISOFIX child anchor, so your children’s safety is ensured if they are to ride with you.

You can also add the fact that the Fiesta’s structure is essentially made of Boron steel, which is also used in aerospace industry in the U.S.

Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5 SkyActiv V+ (P865,000)

Mazda’s smallest hatchback not only excel in style and performance, but also in safety. It has a dynamic stability control (DSC), which detects and reduce loss of traction to prevent skidding – a pretty handy feature, especially on wet roads. That’s on top of the usual dual front airbags and ABS with EBD.

The Mazda 2 Hatchback is also available in Premium Series such as the Midnight Edition (unboxing link), Kabuki Edition, and Crimson Edition. These are priced at P995,000 and equipped with aesthetic upgrades but with the same features as the V+ variant.

Toyota Yaris (P743,000 – P883,000)

The full variant lineup of the Vios-based hatchback of the Toyota Yaris are suited up with safety features. Just like the Mazda 2 hatchback, it has the regulars (dual front airbags and ABS with EBD) sans the stability control. However, it’s equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors at the rear. It has also been updated in 2016 with dual VVT-i power plant that yields better fuel consumption and stronger engine output.

Hyundai Accent Hatchback 1.6 CRDi GL AT (P898,000)

The Hyundai Accent hatchback is the only diesel-powered car among this list. The 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission variant has dual front airbags and ABS. Although it lacks EBD, this has been made up for by having an electronic stability program (ESP) to prevent skidding, while its 300 Nm of pulling power is backed up with hill-start assist system (HAS). Talk about climbing.

Volkswagen Polo Hatchback 1.6L MPI (P950,000)

Being the only European car in this list, the Volkswagen Polo hatchback is designed with simplicity and timelessness. As for its safety, it’s configured like the Yaris (dual front airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX child seat anchors) minus the EBD. It also has crumple zones at its front and rear that absorbs the impact of a crash to ensure the safety of its passengers.

The Volkswagen Polo hatchback is available with a #TripGoals promo, which gives you exclusive perks and freebies when you buy one before March 31, 2017.

Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4EX AT (P895,000)

Priced at P895,000, the hatchback version of the Kia Rio is equipped with enough safety features to make it to this list. Aside from the dual front airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, it’s also equipped with projector headlamps, giving more visibility and a safer drive at night.

Your safety doesn’t only depend on your driving skills; your car’s safety features also matter especially on situations that are out of your hands. These won’t only be your safety net when the shit hits the fan, but can also give you peace of mind. As Ford puts it, these are the stuff that your parents will like.