New cars not as safe as you thought

[jbi]

A new crash test by the IIHS is showing how even the latest cars can struggle in their new crash test scenario.

Volvo once again proves it's ahead of the rest when it comes to safety

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-...

"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,"

The 2012 Audi A4, 2012 Lexus ES, 2012 Lexus IS, and 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class were called "poor" by the testing group."

[JREwing]

I've always found these tests useless since the way they classify their ratings seems so unspecific and unquantifiable.

[Raize]

population is too high anyway

[jbi]

JREwing said:

I've always found these tests useless since the way they classify their ratings seems so unspecific and unquantifiable.

crash testing in general?

[NiceCupOfTea]

Folksam

[JREwing]

jbi said:

crash testing in general?

As far as I can tell, yes. Manufacturers know the general challenges and as such can tailor cars for them.

However, specifically IIHS

[tinkertaylor]

very interesting (and scary)...also interesting to note that Volvo was the top performer - that Lexus IS looked like something from the 80s!

[Renn Sport]

I need to buy my wife that Volvo!

[jbi]

JREwing said:

jbi said:

crash testing in general?

As far as I can tell, yes. Manufacturers know the general challenges and as such can tailor cars for them.

However, specifically IIHS

If a car can withstand a frontal crash with an offset as high as what is being tested, than I would much rather be inside it than a car which failed the test.

Just shows though, what a little extra bracing will do in the correct areas and hopefully will encourage other manufacturers to follow volvo's example.

[Dave Hedgehog]

err don't crash?

the biggest problem with this new test is that it does not take into account falling aircraft engines

i would like to see this test carried out with an offset drivers side strike by a trent 900 at terminal velocity

[Colonial]

Renn Sport said:

I need to buy my wife that Volvo!

Really? I'm going to get mine the Lexus IS

[jbi]

if it was not for crash testing... we would still be driving cars that did this...



Citroen Xantia



Citroen Saxo

It's forced the French to stop building their cars from crisp packets for a start.

[Dave Hedgehog]

Colonial said:

Renn Sport said:

I need to buy my wife that Volvo!

Really? I'm going to get mine the Lexus IS

[JREwing]

jbi said:

If a car can withstand a frontal crash with an offset as high as what is being tested, than I would much rather be inside it than a car which failed the test.

Just shows though, what a little extra bracing will do in the correct areas and hopefully will encourage other manufacturers to follow volvo's example.

Admittedly, if you have the misfortune to experience a crash like that (which isn't regularly seen, particularly not regarding such an immovable object), then it would be preferable. I don't know about anyone else, but safety has never had any bearing on my car choices. I think I would have a different attitude if I had a wife and/or children I suppose.

[tinkertaylor]

[redacted]

[KB_S1]

jbi said:

if it was not for crash testing... we would still be driving cars that did this...



Citroen Xantia



Citroen Saxo

It's forced the French to stop building their cars from crisp packets for a start.

Problem is, the Saxo was a great little car to drive with fantastic all round visibility and superb handling. The C2 is rubbish.

[Palms]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Colonial said:

Renn Sport said:

I need to buy my wife that Volvo!

Really? I'm going to get mine the Lexus IS

[Billy_rfc]

Great stuff there from the yanks and they even took the time to show how the Volvo was able to perform so well. Should be an easy fix for most of the manufacturer's but that Lexus! Bloody hell, that's awful.

[Frik]

[redacted]

[tinkertaylor]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Colonial said:

Renn Sport said:

I need to buy my wife that Volvo!

Really? I'm going to get mine the Lexus IS