Subcompacts and Minicars Flunk Crash Test

Just one of the 11 subcompact and minicars recently subjected to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) small overlap front crash test achieved an Acceptable rating.\n\nNone of the vehicles tested earned the top rating of Good, and the Chevrolet Spark was the only vehicle to earn an Acceptable rating. Four vehicles — the Ford FiestaKia RioMazda 2 and Toyota Yaris — received a Marginal rating and six — Fiat 500Honda FitHyundai AccentMitsubishi MirageNissan Versa, and Toyota Prius c — received a Poor, the lowest possible rating.\n\n”The small overlap test replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole,” explains the IIHS. “In the test, 25 percent of a vehicle’s front end on the driver’s side strikes a rigid barrier at 40 mph.”\n\n”Small, lightweight vehicles have an inherent safety disadvantage. That’s why it’s even more important to choose one with the best occupant protection,” says Joe Nolan, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. “Unfortunately, as a group, minicars aren’t performing as well as other vehicle categories in the small overlap crash.”\n\nVisit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website to learn more about the test results and find ratings for your vehicle.\n\n