IIHS Creates a New Crash Test

The 2012 Lexus ES350, a weaker performers in this test.

There was a record 115 new cars that got the IIHS Top Safety Pick award that are model year 2012, so IIHS thought it was necessary to make a new test for cars to pass. It is a frontal offset test that launches the car into a rigid barrier at 40 miles per hour with 25% of the front end on the driver's side hitting the barrier. It's names the "small overlap test." The more traditional frontal offset test launches the car into a barrier at the same speed, but with 40% of the front hitting a crumpling barrier.

The Volvo S60, one of the top performers in this test.

The first 11 cars that went through the test are all 2012 model year premium sedans. Not surprisingly, most of the cars didn't so particularly well in this test. The ratings IIHS gives to each crash test are, in ascending order, Poor, Marginal, Acceptable and Good. The Mercedes C-Class, Lexus IS, Audi A4, and the previous-generation (2012) Lexus ES all got poor ratings, with the IS being the worst of the worst in terms of deflecting impact; the wheel got punched through the firewall into the driver's footwell.

The Volkswagen CC, Lincoln MKZ, BMW 3-Series and Acura TSX scored Marginal. The CC's door flew off, and the MKZ's crash dummy head missed both the side and steering wheel airbags.

Only one car scored acceptable, the Infiniti G. Volvo, long know for safe vehicles, got Good with its S60. Acura's TL got the top score as well.

IIHS hopes to test midsize family sedans next, which makes sense given that it is one of the largest markets in the United States, if not the largest market. Don't expect those cars, or any other cars, to do extremely well in this new test.

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