Small Car Safety Improves

In the latest round of Insurance Institute crash tests, none of the small cars they tested earned top marks, but some still did well.

In its latest round of small-car crash-tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran eight models through a battery of trials.

They were plowed into a barrier and smashed from the side by a 3,300 pound sled, and a front seat from each model was separately hit to see how well it would protect occupants in the event of a rear-end hit in city driving.

None of the eight models earned the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick" award, but two performed very well, and only one got really poor marks in some of the tests.

Overall, smaller cars have made big improvements, according to the IIHS. As they get more popular with rising gas prices, automakers have improved their safety.

Courtesy: Suzuki Motor Co.

Suzuki SX4

Front impact: Good
Side impact: Good
Whiplash protection: Marginal
ESC: Optional

The SX4 is available either as a hatchback, which the company calls a "crossover SUV," or a sedan.

The IIHS crash-tested the sedan version, but the results also apply to the crossover version, shown here.

One important benefit of the crossover is that electronic stability control is standard equipment, unlike with the sedan.

ESC is a system that helps drivers maintain control of a vehicle during abrupt maneuvers and on slick surfaces. Statistical evidence shows it can prevent about a third of all fatal crashes, making it nearly as important as seatbelts.

Courtesy: Toyota Motor Co.

Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe

Front impact: Good
Side impact: Good
Whiplash protection: Not tested
ESC: Optonal on Matrix, standard on Vibe

The Toyota Matrix, shown here, and Pontiac Vibe are virtually identical small wagons developed jointly by Toyota and General Motors.

Besides ESC, which is standard on the Vibe but optional on the Matrix, these wagons have another increasingly common safety feature, Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

EBD varies braking power among the four wheels to provide optimum stopping performance.

Courtesy: Ford Motor Co.

Ford Focus

Front impact: Good
Side impact: Acceptable
Whiplash protection: Good
ESC: Optional on 2009 models

The optional Sync entertainment system in the Focus can be linked to your cell phone using Bluetooth technology.

And in the event of a crash (assuming your phone is working and is connected to Sync) the car will automatically use the cell to dial 911 and summon emergency help.

Among seat/head restraints evaluated, only the Focus's earned a "Good" rating for rear-impact protection.

Courtesy: General Motors

Chevrolet HHR

Front impact: Good
Side impact: Acceptable
Whiplash protection: Marginal
ESC: Standard on 2009 models

The HHR looks like an old-fashioned work truck, but it's really a wagon version of the Chevrolet Cobalt small car, but with unique styling.

Head-protecting airbags, which greatly improve safety in side impacts, are optional on 2008 HHR's but are standard on 2009 models.

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