SX4, Matrix score Good on IIHS tests, PT Cruiser... not so much

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Mini, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota

Click above for a gallery of high-res IIHS crash carnage

Recent testing indicates that new cars are safe, regardless of their relative size. No surprise, then, that most of the latest 2009 model-year small cars tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performed fairly well. Included in this round of testing were the Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Saturn Astra, Suzuki SX4, and Toyota Matrix. All seven of these machines (remember too that the Pontiac Vibe uses the same underpinnings as the Matrix) scored "good," the highest rating available, for occupant protection in frontal crashes, and only the newest designs -- the SX4, Matrix and Vibe -- scored that high in side crash testing.

The poorest performer of the group, Chrysler's PT Cruiser, also happens to be the oldest design. This being the case, it's lowly "poor" rating in side and rear crashes, due in large part to its ineffective head restraints and lack of rear side-mounted airbags, isn't too shocking. The HHR and SX4 also scored only marginally better in seat/head restraint testing. The latest MINI Cooper was also smashed for science, and it performed fairly well for a car of its diminutive proportions. For a complete recount of the IIHS results, click past the break. Feeling an unhealthy desire to see the aftermath? Check out our gallery below.

Gallery: IIHS 2009 small car crash testing

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading SX4, Matrix score Good on IIHS tests, PT Cruiser... not so much

SX4, Matrix score Good on IIHS tests, PT Cruiser... not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much

Chris Tutor — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

Due to the popularity of small, fuel-sipping cars, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has smashed up some of the newest offerings. And, as if you needed further proof to get optional side air bags on your next car, the minimally-bagged Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xB and Toyota Yaris all got poor ratings while the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, both with standard side airbags, and the Yaris with optional side bags, got top ratings in side crash testing

The Accent and Rio both come with standard air bags, but the tests showed significant driver injury was possible. Pity the xB owners who don't even have a choice of side air bags. The IIHS said that during testing, the xB's dummy's head actually struck the crash barrier. That's gotta hurt.

The IIHS also mangled a 2006 MINI Cooper and a Chevy Aveo with standard side bags. The MINI got an acceptable rating, while the Aveo scraped by with a marginal, just above poor.

Despite the Fit's remarkable side crash results, the Honda's front airbag didn't perform properly during the frontal crash. Honda says Fit owners can expect a recall to address the airbag's early-deployment.

For an IIHS summary of all the small cars tested, click here. For an IIHS summary video, go here.

[Source: The New York Times, The Associated Press via wcnc.com]

IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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