The IIHS Top Safety Pick list is already quite long, but it keeps growing, with five more vehicles added this month alone. The latest pair are the 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan and the 2013 Acura RDX. The BMW needs no introduction, as the new F30 chassis has already earned its right to sit alongside previous generations of the well-loved sport sedan, while the RDX is a refreshed version of the midsize Acura crossover.
Both vehicles earned their listed status by upgrading the strength of their roofs. The previous-generation 3 Series scored only acceptable on roof strength testing, while the 2007-2012 RDX earned a marginal rating. The newest models are now rated "good" for roof strength.
Scroll down to read the full press release.
Both vehicles earned their listed status by upgrading the strength of their roofs. The previous-generation 3 Series scored only acceptable on roof strength testing, while the 2007-2012 RDX earned a marginal rating. The newest models are now rated "good" for roof strength.
Scroll down to read the full press release.
Acura RDX and BMW 3 series earn IIHS Top Safety Pick award
The 2013 RDX and 2012 3 series, both redesigned models, earn the Institute's top award for affording occupants good protection in front, side, rollover and rear crashes.
The RDX, a midsize luxury SUV, and the 3 series, a midsize luxury car, earn the award with improved roof strength for protection in rollover crashes. Top Safety Pick only applies to the redesigned 4-door version of the 3 series.
To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle's roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of occupant protection in rollovers.
The 2007-12 RDX was rated marginal for roof strength. The 2006-11 3 series was rated acceptable.
The 2013 RDX and 2012 3 series, both redesigned models, earn the Institute's top award for affording occupants good protection in front, side, rollover and rear crashes.
The RDX, a midsize luxury SUV, and the 3 series, a midsize luxury car, earn the award with improved roof strength for protection in rollover crashes. Top Safety Pick only applies to the redesigned 4-door version of the 3 series.
To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle's roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of occupant protection in rollovers.
The 2007-12 RDX was rated marginal for roof strength. The 2006-11 3 series was rated acceptable.
Featured Gallery 2012 BMW 3-Series IIHS Crash Testing
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue