Nowadays, with technological advances and the modernization of the automotive industry, car safety has become one of the most important factors when choosing a car. Whether you want to buy a car or rent it for a short time, providing the vehicle you choose is comfortable and safe is important. While Iran has one of the largest automobile industries in Asia, and although the country can rank high regarding overall manufacturing stats, it doesn't have much to say regarding quality and safety when compared to its Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and even Indian competitors. That is why in this list of the best comfortable and safe cars in Iran, most of the featured models are imported cars.
Before we begin to find out about the best comfortable and safe cars in Iran, let's have a closer look at car safety and find out what kind of car is considered safe. Stay tuned!
What Makes a Car Safe?
As already mentioned, car safety is one of the most important issues for customers when they want to buy or rent a car. These days, there are a lot of safety features and driving assistance systems in modern cars designed to make sure the comfort of the driver and passengers, as well as to guarantee their health.
When deciding to buy or rent a car in Iran, the question that may arise is how to determine whether a car is safe or not. In general, every year, stricter car safety regulations are introduced in the global automotive industry, so newer cars are always safer compared to older models.
Aside from the fact that newer cars are safer, there are a few other things that can help you better judge whether a car is safe or not.
Active Safety Systems
Active safety features in cars are designed to prevent or avoid accidents. They are various technical systems but also features of the car that contribute to reducing the risk of something occurring that we do not want to happen. ABS and ESP are two good examples of passive safety systems and features. So, when a car is equipped with active safety features, it will be a sign that the car in question is safe.
Passive Safety Systems
Passive safety, meanwhile, includes features and devices whose function is to prevent or reduce serious or fatal injuries resulting from an accident or collision. This means that when active safety didn't prevent the accident, passive safety systems will come into play to reduce its consequences.
Seat belts, airbags, and head restraints are key elements of passive safety. These three have become great allies of drivers on their journeys thanks to their high level of effectiveness. Seat belts are the most important passive safety feature because they have already saved the most lives since they were invented in 1959. So when deciding on the safest cars in Iran, you should check the car for their passive safety systems.
Crash Ratings
The independent body Euro NCAP has been conducting safety tests on most cars being launched on the European market since 1997, requiring different car manufacturers to make a major effort to improve safety through these studies.
The system has a scale of 0 to 5 through stars; the more Euro NCAP stars a car has, the safer it is. A car that meets the minimum safety standards will not get any euro NCAP stars and can still be on the market, which is not to say that the car is unsafe. but rather that it is not as safe as other cars that receive more stars.
So one of the best methods to decide about the best safe cars in Iran is to check their crash rating history. Other than Euro-NCAP, there are many other car assessment programs, including ANCAP (Australia), C-NCAP (China), JNCAP (Japan), IIHS, and NHTSA (USA).
10 Best Safe Cars in Iran to Rent
Now that we have a better understanding of safety in cars and know how car safety can be judged, in the following, we will take a look at 10 of the most comfortable and safe cars in Iran that you can buy or rent and drive today!
Toyota RAV4 – Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
In general, Japanese cars, and particularly Toyota models, are very popular in Iran. In addition to the very high technical quality, the reason for this is the extremely good safety of the cars produced by this large Japanese company. The facelift version of the 4th generation Toyota RAV4 crossover was imported to Iran and can now be seen on the country's roads.
While that fourth generation of the RAV4 was already a reliable and safe car, as part of the facelift, Toyota upgraded all RAV4 variants to improve comfort, dynamics, interior noise, and overall safety. As a result, body rigidity increased, the damping material strengthened, and the chassis and steering were redesigned. Additionally, passengers can benefit from the active safety package named "Toyota Safety Sense", with its numerous active assistance systems designed to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences in as many traffic situations as possible.
With this safety package, the Toyota RAV4 features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, operating from 10 km/h up to the maximum speed and automatically launching emergency braking in an imminent rear-end collision. Additionally, there is a lane departure warning system. A high beam assistant (which automatically switches between high beam and low beam to avoid dazzling other road users), an adaptive cruise control system, and a traffic sign assistant.
Thanks to its 5 stars from Euro NCAP, Toyota RAV4 remains one of the best safe cars in Iran that you can drive today.
Mitsubishi Outlander - Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
Our second Japanese car on the list of safe cars in Iran is a product of Mitsubishi this time. We are talking about the Mitsubishi Outlander available in the Iranian market, which isthe first facelift of the third generation of this car. Since 2016, this car has been imported to Iran, with its different headlights, additional chrome parts on the bumper, and a rear redesign.
The third generation of Mitsubishi Outlander was awarded 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests in 2012. In the adult protection test, the car scored 94 out of 100, and the driver and passenger were subjected to pressure in the chest area in frontal impacts. In whiplash tests, the car was also successful.
On the other hand, Mitsubishi Outlander offers many safety features, including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), 7 airbags, Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill-start Assist, Traction Control Logic (TLC), Front Pedestrian Impact Crumple Zones, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and many others, making it one of the best safe cars in Iran you can rent or buy.
Renault Logan - Euro NCAP 3-Star Rating
Dacia, formerly a domestic car manufacturer in Romania, one of the eastern bloc countries, was acquired by Renault right after the fall of the Berlin wall. After many years of producing some limited models such as Toros and Solenza, in 2004, the company unveiled a new car under the name Dacia Logan. With Iran being one of its big markets for Renault company, the French automaker decided to bring it to the Iranian car market in 2007 under its brand name, as Iranians were unfamiliar with Dacia.
Renault Logan is a c-segment car. Since the very first day it went on sale, it has been characterized by its quality and its good price in Iran. It was co-produced with Clio parts on the Megane platform in some international markets. Renault Logan is one of the cars with the largest trunk volume of 425 liters currently in the Iranian car market. While the car is now in its third generation, Iran was the only country to still produce the first generation of Renault Logan until recently.
Regarding safety, Renault has proved to be one of the most affordable, safe cars with a strong body. In the Euro NCAP test, the car achieved a 3-star rating out of 5 in adult occupant protection. A 3-star rating out of 5 in child occupant protection, and a 1-star rating out of 4 in pedestrian protection. Overall, the car received a 3-star rating from Euro NCAP, which shows it could be considered on the list of safe cars in Iran.
If you want to rent the Renault Logan to go for a road trip in Iran, you can head over to our website or application and rent Renault Logan with a good price.
BMW X4 - Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
If you think about German cars, the only things that come to mind are high quality and excellent safety. BMW's cars are no exception. The BMW X4 has demonstrated itself as a safe and high-quality vehicle in various global markets since its first generation was unveiled in 2014. Built on a shared platform with the BMW X3, this vehicle was launched on the Iranian market in 2015. It quickly became one of the best-selling BMW models in Iran.
While the BMW X4 has never been tested by Euro NCAP, since the car has been built on the same platform as the BMW X3, many tests conducted for X3 are valid for the BMW X4. Because of the different side structures between the two cars, Euro NCAP has conducted side impact tests for X4, showing the same performance level, leading to a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for the car.
The car performed excellently in the crash test, scoring a rating of 93 percent in adult occupant protection, 84 percent in child occupant protection, 70 percent in pedestrian protection, and 58 percent in safety assistance systems. Its safety features include 6 airbags, Belt Loadlimiter, Active Bonnet, AEB Pedestrian, AEB City, Speed Assistance, and Lane Assist System, among others. Thanks to all these, the BMW X4 is one of the best safe cars in Iran.
Renault Sandero - Euro NCAP 3 Star Rating
The successful Logan was available as a sedan, an MCV wagon and in pick-up and van versions. However, people also wanted a hatchback, so the Sandero was born. To keep the price as low as possible and to save on production costs, nearly 70% of the parts were identical to the older Logan. The versatility, spaciousness and relatively inexpensive maintenance should be highlighted in particular.
As we mentioned, Renault Sandero is built on a shared platform with Renault Logan. As a result, it can also be considered one of the best safe cars in Iran you can buy or rent today. Sandero underwent Euro NCAP crash testing in 2008. It achieved three out of five stars (24 points) for occupant protection in a crash and four out of five stars (38 points) for child occupant protection.
Pedestrian safety was rated one star out of four (6 points). Like Renault Logan, Renault Sandero has received a 3-star rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of the few safe domestically produced hatchbacks in the Iranian market.
KIA Cerato – Top Safety Pick from IIHS
In general, Korean cars have a good reputation among buyers in the Iranian market. Due to their good build quality, smooth ride, excellent safety, and perfect options, Korean cars have always sold well in the Iranian market. The Kia Cerato car is one of the popular Korean models in Iran, which entered the country's market in its second generation. The facelift model of this TD-generation Kia Cerato is the only Korean car ever manufactured in Iran.
In its 2010 model year, the car passed the United States IIHS crash test with a Top Pick Safety Award, which makes it one of the best safe cars in Iran. The car achieved a good rating in all crash tests, including the moderate overlap front test, side impact test, roof strength test, and head restraints and seat test. The car also has a 4-star safety rating from ANCAP.
Among the safety features offered on the Iranian market's KIA Cerato are dual front airbags, Anti Lock brakes (ABS), and electronic brake distribution (EBD). We should also mention that Saipa, the company responsible for manufacturing Cerato in Iran, has unfortunately removed some of the safety features offered on the original model. Nevertheless, the car is still considered one of the best safe cars in Iran.
Peugeot 2008 – Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
The segment of small crossovers is constantly updated with new models, with all manufacturers trying to grab their share in these popular segments. This is the case of the French company Peugeot, which first unveiled its new small crossover at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 under the name "2008".
French cars have always been very popular in the Iranian car market. Contrary to the long-term presence of old Peugeot models in the production lines of Iran Khodro, the Peugeot 2008 was one of the new generations of Peugeot cars. In fact, the car which entered the Iranian market was the facelift model of the first generation, unveiled in 2016.
As Peugeot 2008 has been built on a shared platform with Peugeot 208, the crash test results of the mentioned hatchback model have been carried over to Peugeot 2008. The car scored 88 percent in adult occupant protection, 77 percent in child occupant protection, 72 percent in pedestrian protection and 70 percent in safety assistance systems, getting an overall 5-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Some of the notable safety features of this car include Traction control, stability control, ABS, EBD, and 6 airbags, including the driver and front passenger airbags, curtain airbag and front side airbag. Thanks to good safety features and a good crash rating awarded by Euro NCAP, Peugeot 2008 fully deserves to be included in the list of best safe cars in Iran.
Fidelity Prime - C-NCAP 5-Star Rating
Bahman Motor is one of the old private automakers working in Iran and has experience working with major automakers such as Mazda. After Donald Trump reinstated U.S. sanctions on Iran and major Japanese and European automakers decided to exit Iran, some Chinese companies came forward and agreed to have a presence in Iran under certain conditions, including a change in the brand name.
Meanwhile, in line with its agreement with Jetour, a subsidiary brand of Chery, Bahman Motor launched the Jetour X70S crossover in its assembly lines under the name Fidelity Prime. Because of this car's modern look and good features, Fidelity very soon became a popular car in the Iranian market.
Although ten years ago, for example, Chinese cars did not have much to say regarding quality and safety, today, with the development of the auto industry in this country, we are witnessing a range of safe and high-quality cars from China. Fidelity Prime is one of those cars and has achieved a five-star rating from C-NCAP.
This car is also equipped with many safety features, including 4 airbags, BSD (Blind Spot Detection), LCA (Lane Change Assist), RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert), DOW (Door Open Warning), FCW (Forward Collision Warning), BOSCH 9th generation ESP, electric micro-motion cruise control, EPB, AUTO HOLD and some others, is one of the best safe cars in Iran you can drive today.
Read more: Rent a Fidelity car in Iran. Fidelity Rental Car Instructions
Renault Talisman – Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
Renault Talisman is the latest French car and one of the best on our list of safe cars in Iran, which we looked at in this article. Talisman is one of the most elegant sedans available in the Iranian market, which was imported to the country mostly during 2017. Because of its new and different design compared to its competitors, as well as good safety and many options available, Renault Talisman could sell well in the market.
In 2015, Renault Talisman underwent a crash test by Euro NCAP and was awarded 5 stars, making it one of the best safe cars in Iran in the sedan segment. In the test, Talisman scored a rating of 86 percent in adult occupant protection; 84 percent in child occupant protection; 68 percent in pedestrian protection, and 76 percent in safety assistance systems.
The list of Renault Talisman's safety features and driving assistance systems include 6 airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Safe Distance Warning, Overspeed Protection with Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Warning and many others. As a result, you can undoubtedly include the Renault Talisman in the list of safe cars in Iran.
KIA Sorento – Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
Another Korean car on our list of safe cars in Iran happens to be an elegant and rather big SUV. Kia Sorento, present in the Iranian market, isthe facelifted version of the third generation of this car, which was first unveiled in 2018 and entered the Iranian market in the same year. With the increasing popularity of SUVs in all car markets around the world, it will not surprise anyone to know that Sorento is one of the best-selling Kia models in Iran.
Kia Sorento in the Iranian market is one of the most attractive and, at the same time, the safest SUV you can buy or rent. This car has been tested by the Euro NCAP and got a 5-star rating in the crash test of this institute. In the Euro NCAP test, Sorento managed to score a rating of 90 percent in adult occupant protection, 83 percent in child occupant protection, 67 percent in pedestrian protection, and 71 percent in safety assistance systems.
The IHHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has also tested the Kia Sorento midsize SUV, and the vehicle could get a top safety pick award from this institute. The car received a good rating in all of the tests, including the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints, and seats.
The only negative point in the IIHS crash test was the car's headlights, which were rated marginal and poor. The car's front crash prevention system also received a superior rating. With all these said, there is no doubt that at the moment, the Kia Sorento happens to be one of the best safe cars in Iran in its segment.
Conclusion
In this article for Navaran magazine, we first described what we mean when we say that a car is safe, then discussed some active and passive safety systems and talked about car crash tests. We also introduced 10 of the best comfortable and safe cars in Iran, which you can buy or rent today. While there are much more cars that could be included in this list, these 10 cars are some of the best regarding car safety in different segments and prices.
If you are looking for a car rental in Iran, at Navaran Company, we will provide you with the best car rental services at the best price. All the cars in our fleet are brand new and have low mileage. Considering their high quality and excellent safety, our cars will help you to have a comfortable and safe trip. What distinguishes us from other car rental companies in Iran is our easy car rental conditions without the need for checks and promissory notes.
At Navaran, you can rent your desired car for as long as you want by paying a deposit and providing the necessary documents. If you are looking for car rental in cities of Iran and want to rent some safe cars in Iran, you can head over to our website or application and book any of the cars in our fleet. What do you think about these 10 best safe cars in Iran? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
