Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Buick Encore nets strong IIHS, NHTSA safety scores]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-buick-encore-nets-strong-iihs-nhtsa-safety-scores/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-buick-encore-nets-strong-iihs-nhtsa-safety-scores/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/05/2013-buick-encore-nets-strong-iihs-nhtsa-safety-scores/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Buick Encore - front three-quarter view, white

After being crushed from every which way and rolled over like a labrador, the 2013 Buick Encore has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn the accolade, a vehicle must achieve the highest rating of "Good" in each of the institute's four main crash tests: Front Moderate Overlap, Side, Rollover and Rear. The Encore aced those four tests with "Good" ratings, but missed out on the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation by receiving a Poor rating in the institute's new Front Small Overlap test. To be named a Top Safety Pick+, the Encore would need to score at least an "Acceptable" rating in the new test, as well as "Good" in all four original crash tests.

Despite the miss, the Encore joins the Enclave, LaCrosse, Verano and Regal as Top Safety Picks all. If you count only the Encore with all-wheel drive, then all five Buicks have also earned five-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration, making Buick one of the few manufacturers to offer a full lineup with high scores from both safety rating organizations.

The front-wheel-drive Encore, despite performing equally as well as the all-wheel-drive version in NHTSA's crash tests, only earned four stars overall. As far as we can tell, the discrepancy between the two is because some safety equipment, like Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Assist, are optional features on the FWD Encore and standard on the AWD model.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Encore nets strong IIHS, NHTSA safety scores

2013 Buick Encore nets strong IIHS, NHTSA safety scores originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 buick encorebuickbuick encorecrash testfive-starfive-star ratingiihsinsurance institute for highway safetynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsatop safety pickWed, 05 Jun 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20600276/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/05/2013-buick-encore-nets-strong-iihs-nhtsa-safety-scores/20600276/article-detail.xml 20600276 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01-2013-buick-encore-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01-2013-buick-encore-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IIHS spokeswoman with dummy and crash test car - video screencap

It would be glib to say that safety equipment has had a huge influence on automobiles in the past 20 years. The result of cars being massively more safe than they were not long ago has made them bigger, heavier, more expensive, more challenging to develop, harder to fix and harder for emergency responders to deal with. That's just what it takes to try and keep people safe when they're wielding two-ton battle tanks in close quarters.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the entities in the greyhound-and-rabbit jockeying that keeps pushing the bounds of safety. It uses its testing to confer the Top Safety Pick designation that carmakers seek and it launched the small overlap frontal crash test that tripped up a number of vehicles.

It has begun a video series demonstrating what it tests at its facility in Virginia and how, with its crash test dummies, it assesses the results. There are two videos so far, one detailing the front offset test, the other examining the specifics of the crash test dummies who do all the 'work.' There will be eight videos in total, with another released every Tuesday. You can watch the first two below. They're a short and fascinating six minutes of viewing.

Continue reading IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests

IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto safetycrash testcrash test dummiescrash testingiihsinside iihsinsurance institute for highway safetysmall overlap frontal crash testvideoThu, 23 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580148/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/20580148/article-detail.xml 20580148 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/iihs-bts-videos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/iihs-bts-videos.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its new small overlap frontal crash test last year, and while a number of cars have passed the test with an "Acceptable" rating, the 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace the test with a "Good" rating. A total of 13 small crossovers and SUVs were subjected to the more rigorous testing procedure, and only the Forester and the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport drove off with the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Two of the worst-performing vehicles that were called out in this group were the Nissan Rogue and Jeep Wrangler, which were the only two not to receive a Top Safety Pick Rating. The Jeep Patriot did earn that distinction despite not performing well in the small overlap test. To be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn top ratings in front, side, rear and roof-strength tests, while a Top Safety Pick+ requires four out of five to be "Good" ratings with the fifth no worse than "Acceptable;" the Forester received "Good" ratings in all five tests. Scroll down for a video showing how the Forester and some of its competitors performed in the small overlap test, along with a press release.

Continue reading Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]

Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru forester2014 subaru forester crash test2014subaruforestercrashtestcrash testiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetysmall overlap frontal crash testsubaru forestersubaruforesterTop Safety Picktop safety pick+Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/20572277/article-detail.xml 20572277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA considering senior citizen crash test ratings for cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/nhtsa-considering-senior-citizen-crash-test-ratings-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/nhtsa-considering-senior-citizen-crash-test-ratings-for-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/nhtsa-considering-senior-citizen-crash-test-ratings-for-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Elderly female driver

As part of its ongoing effort to make vehicles as safe as possible, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reportedly looking into creating a new crash-test rating system for cars which includes introducing a "Silver" rating to indicate added safety for senior drivers. Automotive News reports that NHTSA Administrator David Strickland says the agency is trying to find a way to make cars safer for senior citizens and it's also seeking a way to incorporate crash-prevention technology into its coveted five-star safety rating.

To protect senior drivers, NHTSA's Silver rating may focus on cars that offer inflatable seat belts or even introduce new technologies that help prevent unintended acceleration as a result of the driver accidently hitting the wrong pedal. Strickland also says existing crash-prevention technologies (such as forward collision warning and lane departure prevention) could work their way into the rating system for new vehicles. This all comes just days after another NHTSA-related report where the agency is apparently trying to come up with ways to fast-track "noncontroversial" rules and regulations.

NHTSA considering senior citizen crash test ratings for cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash-prevention technologyelderlynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapensionerssenior citizensenior citizenssenior driversseniorsunintended accelerationFri, 05 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530810/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/nhtsa-considering-senior-citizen-crash-test-ratings-for-cars/20530810/article-detail.xml 20530810 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/elderly-female-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/elderly-female-driver.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Malibu in IIHS big rig underrider crash test - video screencap

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is always looking for new ways to make America's highways safer, and this latest test checks out the crashworthiness of one of the most overlooked vehicles on the road: tractor trailers. Pointing out design flaws inherent in semi trailers during rear-end collisions, the IIHS performed three different tests on eight of the most popular semi trailers on the market including a full-width impact, a 50-percent overlap (where only half of the car makes contact with the trailer) and a narrower overlap where only 30 percent of the car hits the trailer.

In the tests, which were run at 35 miles per hour using a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, all of the trailers safely prevented the vehicle from underriding - going underneath the trailer - during the full-width crash. Compared to the results from this same test just two years ago, it's a big improvement in safety. In the 50-percent test, only one of the trailer's underride guards failed allowing the rear edge of the trailer to impact the passenger compartment, which would have most likely killed the driver. In the 30 percent overlap test, only one trailer managed to prevent the crash car from going under the trailer. The safest trailer, produced by a company called Manac, had the underride guard beams pushed out to the edges of the trailer providing additional strength and support. All of the trailers passed US and Canadian crash standards.

Scroll down for the crash-test video as well as a press release from IIHS.

Continue reading IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video]

IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testiihsinsurance institute for highway safetyroad safetysemi trucksemi truck safetytractor trailertractor trailer safetytractor trailer underridetruck safetyunderride guard crash testunderridingvideoMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506251/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/20506251/article-detail.xml 20506251 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/iihs-tractor-trailer-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/iihs-tractor-trailer-test.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 crash test

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashed a 2012 Fiat 500, the little car got the best scores in all categories. It's a safe car, then, right?

"If safety is a priority, you should avoid the smallest cars," advises Russ Rader, spokesperson for IIHS. "Weight counts. Smaller, lighter cars are safer than they used to be, but all things being equal, people riding in bigger, heavier vehicles get more protection in crashes."

That's why, despite its near-perfect crash-test score, the Fiat 500 is No. 1 on Insure.com's list of worst vehicles for protecting passengers from injuries. In an accident with a larger object, the Fiat's safety cage and array of air bags do what they can to protect passenges, but like eggs in a coffee can, the passengers get thrown about and smashed up.

If the Fiat 500 is like a coffee can, then a fullsize GMC pickup (which tops the website's list of vehicles best at protecting passengers) would be a 50-gallon barrel. In a collision between the two, the barrel of eggs will win every time. The GMC Sierra 1500 is rated best at protecting passengers by Insure.com, but IIHS rated it just average in the side impact test and marginal in the roof strength test. Second place on Insure.com's best list is the Porsche Cayenne, which has not been tested by IIHS. The third through fifth place spots go to the GMC Yukon, Sierra 2500 and Terrain.

The listings are the result of Insure.com's analysis of personal injury protection and medical payment claims which affect what car owners are charged for insurance.

Check out videos of the IIHS crash test of the Fiat 500 as well as the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 below.

Continue reading Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]

Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 least safe cars2014leastsafecarscrash testfiatfiat 500 safetyfiat safetygmc 1500gmc crash testgmc safetygmc sierraiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylarge car safetyleast safe cars insure.comleastsafecarsinsure.comsafest small carsmall car crast testsmall car safetyWed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20442068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/20442068/article-detail.xml 20442068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion

Ford's Fusion and Fusion Hybrid have both received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The rating is a big upgrade for the Fusion, which was completely redesigned for 2013. The previous model fell one star short of the top rating, after scoring only three stars in the frontal crash test and four stars in the side crash test and rollover evaluations. The 2013 Fusion received four stars in side crash and rollover testing and a full five stars in the front crash test.

Test results for the 2013 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid were greatly improved at least in part due to Ford's Personal Safety System. The system utilizes smarter sensors to gather crash data and tailor the car's restraint systems to the occupants. Seatbelt usage and seat position are taken into account to ensure airbags deploy with less pressure for smaller drivers, more for larger drivers.

The 2013 Fusion twins also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ designation. Read the official press release below.

Continue reading Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA

Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusioncrash testfive star ratingfordfusionfusion safetyIIHSnhtsasafetytop safety pickThu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20436550/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/20436550/article-detail.xml 20436550 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01a-2013-ford-fusion-fd-1358974588_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01a-2013-ford-fusion-fd-1358974588.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA mulling adding small-overlap and angled crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/nhtsa-mulling-adding-small-overlap-and-angled-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/nhtsa-mulling-adding-small-overlap-and-angled-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/nhtsa-mulling-adding-small-overlap-and-angled-crash-tests/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Buick Verano NHTSA crash test - front three-quarter view, post test

For the sake of safer cars, it sounds like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could be moving to create stricter crash tests that are similar to (and potentially even more rigorous) than what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently instituted. In an interview with Automotive News, chief NHTSA administrator David Strickland said that the agency is looking into adding a new offset test as well as an angled impact test.

A small overlap test just recently became a part of the barrage of crash tests performed by IIHS where only 25-percent of the vehicle tested makes contact with a barrier, and Strickland said this is "very similar" to the test being considered by NHTSA. The government agency's current frontal crash tests, as shown above with the five-star-rated Buick Verano, consists of the car hitting a wall head-on, so it isn't clear how much overlap would be considered small for this new test. Another new scenario being investigated is called the oblique test, which involves the test subject hitting a barrier at a fixed angle rather than straight on. Neither test figures to be in use for at least the next couple years or so, but they would undoubtedly make it much harder for cars to receive a five-star crash rating.

NHTSA mulling adding small-overlap and angled crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive safetycrash testcrash testingdavid stricklandnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaoblique crash testsafetysmall overlap frontal crash testTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435211/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/nhtsa-mulling-adding-small-overlap-and-angled-crash-tests/20435211/article-detail.xml 20435211 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-buick-verano-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-buick-verano-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mazda technologies like SkyActiv-Body and SkyActiv-Chassis, plus ultra-high-tensile steel, six airbags, "crusable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column have helped the 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 win Top Safety Pick laurels from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's the second year in a row for the Mazda3.

The accolade is earned by receiving "Good" marks for frontal moderate overlap crashes, side and rear impact crashes, and tests of roof strength. Remember, the small overlap test that the IIHS commenced in August 2012 has lately tripped up some makers who have excellent safety reputations.

The Mazda3 and CX-5 join offerings like the Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Subaru Forester among the 117 vehicles so far declared Top Safety Picks - which is different than the 13 named Top Safety Picks+, mind you - for this year. Have a read of the press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcx-5iihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetymazdamazda3top safety pickThu, 17 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/20426159/article-detail.xml 20426159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cx-5iihssafetypick_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cx-5iihssafetypick.jpg <![CDATA[How many other cars does it take to kill a Volvo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/how-many-other-cars-does-it-take-to-kill-a-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/how-many-other-cars-does-it-take-to-kill-a-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/how-many-other-cars-does-it-take-to-kill-a-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We all know how safe Volvo cars are, but a European junkyard has decided to put it to the test by crashing, jumping and rolling the life out of an 850 wagon. While government tests use automated systems to crash new cars, the guys in this video do so with a driver behind the wheel. Aside from what looks like a safety harness and roll bar for the driver, it seems like this car is otherwise bone stock.

Not wanting to spoil the fun for you, we'll just point out that at the start of the video, our hero car looks pretty flawless, and by the end, well, let's just say the Craigslist ad for the car would say "needs some body work." Check out the video below to watch some stunts that even the Duke Boys might shy away from.

Continue reading How many other cars does it take to kill a Volvo?

How many other cars does it take to kill a Volvo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>850crash teststation wagonstupid car tricksvideovideosvolvoThu, 27 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411403/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/how-many-other-cars-does-it-take-to-kill-a-volvo/20411403/article-detail.xml 20411403 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volvo-850-flying_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volvo-850-flying.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Camry undergoing IIHS small overlap crash test

Crash tests continue to get ever tougher, and the new "small overlap" test from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety is giving engineers fits. The new procedure, launched in August, subjects just 25 percent of a vehicle's front end to an impact at 40 miles per hour, and it's proven to be a lot tougher to ace than the institute's old 40-percent overlap test, which is also still in use. The test is designed to simulate impact with a pole, tree or an offset other vehicle - all common crash scenarios.

In its initial round of tests, the IIHS found just three of 11 midsize luxury and near-premium cars up to the job of earning acceptable or good ratings. In this latest go around, the IIHS subjected 18 midsize family sedans to the test, with two earning good ratings, 11 earning acceptable scores, three netting marginal and two suffering poor marks. Of those tested, the Honda Accord and Suzuki Kizashi earned top marks.

Interestingly enough, the IIHS has gone out of its way to highlight the poor performances by the Toyota automobiles it tested. The Camry and Prius V were both called out for poor performances in the small overlap, deeming them "the worst performers of the midsize group." This, despite the fact that both models were new for 2012. Interestingly, both vehicles previously earned Top Safety Pick status, showing just how tough the new small overlap test really is.

IIHS also called out the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta for a poor performance, noting that its driver airbag module actually detached from the steering column during the crash test. The IIHS notes that the detachment occurred "relatively late in the crash and didn't affect the dummy's movement," but it still marked down the Volkswagen as a result.

For a complete list of the vehicles tested and their scores, see the official press release and a video of the test below.

Continue reading IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video]

IIHS subjects midsizers to tough new impact test, finds fault with Toyota, VW [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda accord2013 suzuki kizashi2013 toyota camry2013 toyota prius v2013 volkswagen jettaaccordcamrycrash testiihsjettakizashiprius vtop safety pickvideoThu, 20 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20408338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/iihs-subjects-midsizers-to-tough-new-impact-test-finds-fault-wi/20408338/article-detail.xml 20408338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-camry-iihs-small-offset-crash-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-toyota-camry-iihs-small-offset-crash-test.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Cadillac ATS earns rare perfect score in NHTSA crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/2013-cadillac-ats-earns-rare-perfect-score-in-nhtsa-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/2013-cadillac-ats-earns-rare-perfect-score-in-nhtsa-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/2013-cadillac-ats-earns-rare-perfect-score-in-nhtsa-crash-tests/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Less than a month ago, the Chevrolet Camaro scored a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It did so by scoring a five stars in every individual crash test administered, becoming the first car to earn perfect scores across the board since the NHTSA crash test procedures were revised in 2011.

Now another vehicle in the General Motors stable has scored top marks on the frontal, side and rollover crash tests on its way to a five-star overall rating: the Cadillac ATS (in both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants). As for the Cadillac's other 2013 model year competition, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class hasn't yet finished its test, the BMW 3 Series scored five-stars overall but received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test, and the Audi A4 in both front- and all-wheel drive received, like the ATS, five stars across the board.

2013 Cadillac ATS earns rare perfect score in NHTSA crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac atsatscadillaccrash testNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsaTue, 11 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/2013-cadillac-ats-earns-rare-perfect-score-in-nhtsa-crash-tests/20399422/article-detail.xml 20399422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ats5-starnhtsa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ats5-starnhtsa.jpg <![CDATA[All-electric Coda Sedan gets crashed, earns just two stars in frontal test [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/all-electric-coda-sedan-gets-crashed-earns-just-two-stars-in-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/all-electric-coda-sedan-gets-crashed-earns-just-two-stars-in-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/08/all-electric-coda-sedan-gets-crashed-earns-just-two-stars-in-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tested the 2012 Coda electric sedan, and here is the good news about the results: the Coda scored five stars for the side crash and rollover tests, and four stars overall. What kept it from a five-star overall score is the bad news: a two-star result for its frontal impact test.

NHTSA issued a recall for the 2012 Coda over its side and window airbags, so there are two Codas listed in the test results - a pre-recall sedan that got no rating for the side impact test and no overall rating, and the post-recall sedan that was rated in every category.

To be even more precise on that frontal impact rating, the male crash dummy driver was left with a two-star score, the female crash dummy passenger got four stars. Judging from the videos, the frontal impact doesn't look like a two-star catastrophe, but NHTSA knows better than us and all of the deceleration and injury details are in these reports if you want to know everything.

If you just want to watch, however, videos of the crash tests can be found just below.

Continue reading All-electric Coda Sedan gets crashed, earns just two stars in frontal test [w/videos]

All-electric Coda Sedan gets crashed, earns just two stars in frontal test [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codacoda automotivecoda sedancrash testNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsavideovideosyoutubeSat, 08 Dec 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20396551/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/08/all-electric-coda-sedan-gets-crashed-earns-just-two-stars-in-fr/20396551/article-detail.xml 20396551 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/codanhtsa2stars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/codanhtsa2stars.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crushed, mangled and smashed the 2013 Ford Fusion and gives it a coveted Top Safety Pick designation. That's the second Fusion generation in a row given the title.

IIHS said measures taken from its dummies in the driver and rear seat passenger positions "indicate low risk of any significant injuries" in the moderate overlap and side impact tests. The car's side airbags deployed front and back during both tests and dummy movement was "well controlled."

The Institute also gave the Fusion the top rating of Good in rollover and rear crash tests. The photo above shows the Fusion about to undergo IIHS's rollover evaluation in which a metal plate is pressed against one corner of the 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," according to the IIHS website.

The Fusion withstood 17,527 pounds before the roof crushed to the test's limit. That gave it a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.14. That compares well to the 2012 Honda Accord's 4.99, 2013 Subaru Legacy's 4.95 and previous-gen Fusion's at 4.78. The best ratio was claimed by the 2013 VW Passat at 6.32 and the worst by the 2010 Hyundai Sonata at 3.12 for which it got a marginal rating. You can see more IIHS roof strength evaluations here.

2013 Ford Fusion nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusioncrash testford fusion safetyfusion airbagsfusion safetyIIHSiihs crash testiihs top safety pickInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyFri, 09 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/20374355/article-detail.xml 20374355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ford-fusion-roof-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ford-fusion-roof-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart and three others latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/dodge-dart-and-three-others-latest-to-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/dodge-dart-and-three-others-latest-to-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/dodge-dart-and-three-others-latest-to-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named four more vehicles to its coveted Top Safety Pick list, which has grown to include 131 models. This time around, the 2013 Dodge Dart, Lexus ES, Hyundai Santa Fe and Subaru XV Crosstrek achieved top marks for crash safety in all applicable criteria tests. The IIHS has yet to start any large-scale tests of its new small overlap front crash test, so none of these models were subjected to this new category.

Proving how safe small cars now are, the Dart is one of 31 compact cars to grab a spot as a Top Safety Pick, being joined by XV Crosstrek. This is definitely good news for Subaru as, aside from the old-bodied Impreza WRX, its lineup of new products is on this list of safe vehicles.

While the new Santa Fe was named as a Top Safety Pick, it was actually the smaller Santa Fe Sport that was crash tested by Hyundai rather than the three-row model that now wears this name. Finally, both the hybrid (ES 300h) and non-hybrid versions of the new Lexus ES made the cut even though it is listed solely as the ES 350.

Continue reading Dodge Dart and three others latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Dodge Dart and three others latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2013 hyundai santa fe2013 lexus es2013 subaru xv crosstrekcrash testdodgehyundaiiihsinsurance institute for highway safety crash testinsurance institute for highway saffetylexussafetysubarutop safety pickThu, 04 Oct 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20340748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/04/dodge-dart-and-three-others-latest-to-earn-iihs-top-safety-pick/20340748/article-detail.xml 20340748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/dodge-dart-iihs-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/dodge-dart-iihs-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA releases list of 2013 models to be crash tested]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/nhtsa-releases-list-of-2013-models-to-be-crash-tested/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/nhtsa-releases-list-of-2013-models-to-be-crash-tested/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/nhtsa-releases-list-of-2013-models-to-be-crash-tested/#commentsFiled under:

Fiat 500 after crash test

Fans of the Fiat 500, Dodge Dart and Buick Verano should prepare to avert their eyes in the coming year. Those models are among 54 to be crashed, smashed and trashed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the interest of public safety.


The models in line for government testing include 33 passenger cars, 16 crossovers and SUVs, four pickups and a Toyota Sienna. NHTSA says the list covers 85 percent of all 2013 vehicles to be sold in the States. Of note are several alt-fuel Ford models like the C-Max Energi, C-Max Hybrid, the Focus Electric and the Fusion Energi. Other green cars about to hit the wall are the Nissan Leaf, as well as the Toyota Prius C and Prius V. The 2013 Fiat 500 (pictured here undergoing frontal crash testing) will presumably be subjected to its first side-impact tests.

NHTSA will also be testing safety systems like lane departure warning, forward crash warning and electronic stability control in 28 vehicles including the Acura RDX, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Volt, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and A6, Dodge Dart and 21 others.

The agency will post results as they're available throughout the coming year. In the meantime, you can check out the soon-to-be hit list by clicking on the link.

NHTSA releases list of 2013 models to be crash tested originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto safetycrash testcrash testingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsasafety testsside impactWed, 12 Sep 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20321715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/nhtsa-releases-list-of-2013-models-to-be-crash-tested/20321715/article-detail.xml 20321715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-crash-test-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-crash-test-628.jpg <![CDATA[European NCAP crowns Volvo V40 safest new car ever tested]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/european-ncap-crowns-volvo-v40-safest-new-car-ever-tested/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/european-ncap-crowns-volvo-v40-safest-new-car-ever-tested/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/european-ncap-crowns-volvo-v40-safest-new-car-ever-tested/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One of the safest cars ever built will not be sold in the United States. The Euro NCAP, similar to our National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, put the all-new 2013 Volvo V40 through a battery of crash tests and found that it is one of the safest cars it has tested.

The Euro NCAP's testing consists of cars being tested in four categories (adult occupant, child occupant, pedestrian and safety assist) for vehicle safety, and the V40 drove (or more likely was towed) away with some of the top scores the agency has ever handed out. The 98 percent adult occupant rating is the highest result recorded by the Euro NCAP, while the car's innovative pedestrian airbag helped it receive an equally impressive 88-percent rating for pedestrian safety. This safety device is actually an airbag underneath the hood, and when contact with a pedestrian is detected, the airbag inflates, raising the rear portion of the hood which helps to cushion the a person's head or body as it makes contact with the car.

The Volvo V40 was perfect in the safety assist category thanks to systems like Pedestrian Detection, City Safety, auto braking and numerous other active safety features. The only knock that the V40 took was to child occupant protection. Its 75-percent rating is one of the lowest of the recent batch of tested cars, which also includes the Audi A3, Kia Cee'd and Ford B-Max.

In addition to being one of the safest Volvos produced so far, the V40 is also one of the best-looking Volvo models ever. We already had a chance to sample the new V40 back in June, and we were impressed with the car and what it could do to bolster Volvo's U.S. lineup. Still, Volvo has stated that it has no intentions of selling its new compact hatchback here, despite the growth of the premium small car segment in this market.

Scroll down for Volvo's press release.

Continue reading European NCAP crowns Volvo V40 safest new car ever tested

European NCAP crowns Volvo V40 safest new car ever tested originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo v40crash safetycrash testeuro ncapv40volvoSun, 02 Sep 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/02/european-ncap-crowns-volvo-v40-safest-new-car-ever-tested/20312792/article-detail.xml 20312792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-volvo-v40-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-volvo-v40-fd.jpg <![CDATA[There's a reason all crash test dummies were male until last year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/theres-a-reason-all-crash-test-dummies-were-male-until-last-yea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/theres-a-reason-all-crash-test-dummies-were-male-until-last-yea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/29/theres-a-reason-all-crash-test-dummies-were-male-until-last-yea/#commentsFiled under: ,

crash test dummy

Last year, government regulators made female crash test dummies a mandatory part of crash evaluations for the first time in collision evaluation history. Until then, manufacturers had been content to use dummies patterned after the average American male.

Safety advocates have argued for years that designing for male occupants present problems for smaller females. When airbags deploy, they're meant to strike occupants in the chest, but smaller individuals may instead be hit in the chin. If that happens, further head and neck injuries could ensue. According to Automotive News, smaller women are three times as likely as average-sized male drivers to be seriously injured in accidents.

Automakers have repeatedly argued that the average-sized test mannequin covers 95 percent of the driving population, and that developing a smaller dummy would take too long to create and be cost prohibitive. That argument has officially fallen by the wayside with the new requirements. Automotive News reports manufacturers are officially required to use small female crash dummies in front collision evaluations for 2011 model-year units.

There's a reason all crash test dummies were male until last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testcrash test dummydummyfemale crash test dummyWed, 29 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/29/theres-a-reason-all-crash-test-dummies-were-male-until-last-yea/20309669/article-detail.xml 20309669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/crash-test-dummy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/crash-test-dummy.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo S60 earns good rating in new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has unveiled a new crash testing methodology in dramatic fashion - by dinging some of the most popular entry luxury sedans for failing to adequately protect the driver during certain types of crashes. The 2012 Acura TSX, 2012 BMW 3-Series, 2012 Lincoln MKZ and 2012 Volkswagen CC were all deemed "marginal," while the 2012 Audi A4, 2012 Lexus ES, 2012 Lexus IS, and 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class were called "poor" by the testing group.

The new test is designed to simulate the effects of hitting a tree or pole at 40 miles per hour, but rather than striking the object dead-on, the IIHS delivers a more glancing blow that only impacts a quarter of the car's front end. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous, as the impact will often miss the energy-absorbing structures built into the car's frame.

"These are severe crashes, and our new test reflects that," said IIHS President Adrian Lund in a statement. "Most automakers design their vehicles to ace our moderate overlap frontal test and NHTSA's full-width frontal test, but the problem of small overlap crashes hasn't been addressed. We hope our new rating program will change that."

Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but the new testing regimen will undoubtedly annoy luxury carmakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes whose vehicles did not fare so well. Volvo, whose S60 was given a "good" rating, will likely be pleased to retain its reputation for safety. The only other of the vehicles IIHS tested to perform as well was the Acura TL, while the Infiniti G sedan was deemed "acceptable."

Scroll down to read the full press release and watch an accompanying video.

Continue reading IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video]

IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash testingiihsiihs top safety pickInsurance Institute for Highway Safetysmall overlap crash testsmall overlap frontal crash testTop Safety PickTue, 14 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/20299761/article-detail.xml 20299761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-volvo-s60-small-overlap-crash-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-volvo-s60-small-overlap-crash-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ram pickup leads group of Most Dangerous Cars In America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/ram-pickup-leads-group-of-most-dangerous-cars-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/ram-pickup-leads-group-of-most-dangerous-cars-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/ram-pickup-leads-group-of-most-dangerous-cars-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Ram

Take a vehicle's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety score, throw it into a data pot that includes Consumer Reports ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash safety results and J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study numbers, mix thoroughly, then pour out the most dangerous vehicle on the road today: The Ram pickup truck.

The website 24/7 Wall St. created this analysis to reveal the models with consistent quality problems and poor safety scores. All of the vehicles scored poorly in one area or another in crash testing, typically side or rear impact tests. They all scored badly in rollover testing, except the Jeep Wrangler.

In order, the best of the worst are:

1. Dodge Ram
2. Chevrolet Colorado Super Cab
3. Mazda CX-7
4. Mazda CX-9
5. Nissan Pathfinder
6. Jeep Wrangler
7. Suzuki SX4

And while the data may speak volumes, it doesn't translate into poor sales, 24/7 Wall St. noted. "In fact, sales of all models are up from last year," the site stated.

24/7 Wall St. did not reveal the safest vehicles on the road today using the same data, but all it has to do is turn its list upside down.

Ram pickup leads group of Most Dangerous Cars In America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportscrash testdodgeiihsiihs top safety pickjeep wranglerleast safemazdamazda cx7mazda cx9most unsafeNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaramsafetysuzuki sx4Wed, 30 May 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/ram-pickup-leads-group-of-most-dangerous-cars-in-america/20247677/article-detail.xml 20247677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2011-ram_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2011-ram.jpg -1 2