The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has for the first time conducted real-life crash tests on the smallest vehicles sold in our market. Sales of cars like the Nissan Versa, Mini Cooper and Honda Fit have increased as quickly as the prices at the pumps, but as the IIHS has discovered, there might be a hidden cost.
According to their tests, any car that's small and light isn't a great choice for safety, as small cars represent twice the driver deaths of larger vehicles. There are big differences though, and some small cars or minicars perform better in impact situations than others.
The Nissan Versa scored top marks in testing, with its standard side airbags protecting occupants from intruding structural components. It achieved "Good" ratings in front, side and rear impacts.
Next up, the Toyota Yaris with optional side airbags achieved a "Good" rating from front and side tests, but a poor rear crash test rating.
Filling in the middle of the list are the Honda Fit, Mini Cooper (2006) and Chevrolet Aveo, which only achieved acceptable front impact protection ratings and poor rear impact ratings.
The Korean made Kia Rio / Hyundai Accent twins were rated the most poorly, with only average front impact protection, and poor side and rear results.
A concern noted by the IIHS was the lack of progress in terms of rear crash test performance- although front and side protection has come along in recent years in the class, rear impact protection has some catching up to do.
According to their tests, any car that's small and light isn't a great choice for safety, as small cars represent twice the driver deaths of larger vehicles. There are big differences though, and some small cars or minicars perform better in impact situations than others.
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| Nissan Versa (Photo: Nissan) |
Next up, the Toyota Yaris with optional side airbags achieved a "Good" rating from front and side tests, but a poor rear crash test rating.
Filling in the middle of the list are the Honda Fit, Mini Cooper (2006) and Chevrolet Aveo, which only achieved acceptable front impact protection ratings and poor rear impact ratings.
The Korean made Kia Rio / Hyundai Accent twins were rated the most poorly, with only average front impact protection, and poor side and rear results.
A concern noted by the IIHS was the lack of progress in terms of rear crash test performance- although front and side protection has come along in recent years in the class, rear impact protection has some catching up to do.