Small 'city cars' have been criticised for offering occupants poor protection from whiplash injuries, which could affect insurance premiums in the future.

It follows the release of Thatcham's headrest ratings, which found that no small car received a 'good' rating for the level of protection they provide the people inside.

According to the researchers, city cars are especially at risk as most rear-end shunts occur in city driving and Matthew Avery, the crash research manager, believes the possibility of whiplash is far higher.

"City cars are not equipped to protect their occupants' necks when they have to absorb the crash energy from larger, heavier vehicles which, combined with poor seat design, makes whiplash far more likely," he said.

Potentially, this could have an impact on insurance premiums for small cars if whiplash claims were to increase.

Thatcham carries out research and produces data for the motor insurance industry.

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