Car safety for kids in the back seat.... sedan vs hatchback?

[daffodil101]

My old 1999 Hyundai is getting to the end of its lifespan, so i'm starting to think about a replacement.  I just want a basic, safe car that I hope will last me 8-10 years.  The thing I'm weighing up is, what kind of car would be safe for potential little people who might come along in the back seat?  (I'm not expecting to have kids with my health, but I have one precious niece and a new little niece/nephew on the way.  Plus my other sister is starting to plan when to start her own family.  And I will definitely be minding those current and potential little munchkins in the future... hence, safety paranoia!!)

I'm thinking about the back seat if someone rear-ends me, runs into me from behind... you know, texting, going at 60kph. I mean, a sedan's got more space to absorb the impact, right?  The car I'm looking at is the Hyundai i30, which is a hatchback with a 5 star safety rating, but I'm still a little uneasy.

Have any of you guys got thoughts?   

[kaoskat]

I......I have no idea......I wonder if you could ask your siblings since they have children? Maybe they've already looked into it? I'm sure we likely have a parent here who can help though as we have lots of them! Good luck choosing a car!

[CoonhoundBetty]

I'm not sure what you have in Australia, but here in the US, we have Consumer Reports that reviews car safety ratings, as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and various other crash test sites. You could start with the manufacturer and work from there. Also, look for "crumple zones," because that is what takes the impact in a crash. DH and I both drive pickup trucks with my daughter in the backseat, my sister drives a full-size SUV with her kids, so I don't have any advice with smaller cars :/