Insurance group crash test failed by all subcompact cars but one

Auto insurance crash tests results

The Chevy Spark was the only vehicle of this size to receive a pass from its performance.

A new safety standard that was added to the crash tests of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown itself to be a tough one to pass for economy cars in the latest round of testing, as ten out of the eleven participating models failed to pass.

The new front end collisions standard test was passed only by the Chevrolet Spark.

Auto insurance crash tests resultsThe insurance industry group’s test earned the Spark a grade of “acceptable”, where all other subcompacts failed. The test involved a collision of 25 percent of the driver’s side’s front end with a barrier that is 5 feet tall, when traveling at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The Toyota Yaris, the Mazda 2, and the Ford Fiesta brought home much lower “marginal” grades.

The remainder of the models that were tested by the insurance group received a “poor” grade.

Those models that left with a “poor” rating included the Toyota Prius C, the Nissan Versa, the Hyundai Accent, the Fiat 500, the Honda Fit, and the Mitsubishi Mirage. Even though the Chevrolet Spark may feel victorious with its “acceptable”, it is still striking that not one of the tested vehicles was actually able to achieve a “good” grade.

In fact, following the release of the results, Consumer Reports took the Honda Fit down from its list of the vehicles that they recommend. A representative from that automaker responded by pointing out that the Fit was a model that was already being phased out, and that it was going to be replaced by an all new Fit design by the springtime.

So far, the institute feels that this latest round of vehicles were the worst performers among any of the other groups that they have tested until now. The IIHS spends approximately $3 million per year on their car crash tests and evaluations. The outcomes of their testing are used by the insurance industry for a range of different purposes, including the calculation of premiums. These tests are also important as they help to determine consumer perception, the reviews that are received by vehicles, and safety ratings.

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