See which small cars do badly in crash tests
Smaller cars fared badly in recent US crash tests. Among 12 smaller type cars, the Mini Countryman was about the only one to earn a top rating of ”good” in new frontal crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Nissan Leaf, Nissan Juke, Fiat 500L and Mazda 5 all fared worst in the same tests, while the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-Max, Mitsubishi Lancer, Scion FR-S (aka Toyota 86) and Subaru BRZ all got the second-highest rating of ”acceptable”.
This crash test, which was introduced in 2012, replicates what happens when 25% of a car’s front end strikes a rigid object at 64km/h. It’s a difficult test because a small area of the car’s front end must absorb and manage the energy from a severe crash.
The institute said the Mazda 5 was among the worst performers it has tested. Its side air bags didn’t deploy at all and its driver’s side door unlatched, which shouldn’t happen during a test. In a statement, Mazda pointed out that the Mazda 5 has earned “good” ratings on other IIHS tests, including a front moderate overlap test and a roof strength test. The Mini Countryman earned a ”Top Safety Pick” award because they don’t have front crash prevention systems.
Maybe you should keep this in mind next time you’re checking out the market for a small car.
(Source: IOL Motoring)