- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr Ar
New IIHS side crash tests. Disappointing results
In October 2021, the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) changed the methodology for carrying out side crash tests: the mass of a movable barrier simulating a collision increased to 1.9 tons, and it now moves at a higher speed of 60 km/h instead of the previous 50 km/h. This is closer to the real-world conditions of side-impact collisions. Harsher side crash tests have revealed the vulnerabilities of the tested models, and their results, frankly, are not encouraging…
IIHS - American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Founded in 1959 and funded by car insurance companies, the American non-profit organization works to reduce the number of road accidents, the damage and the severity of injuries sustained in accidents. The institute conducts research and compiles safety ratings for popular passenger cars, as well as related products such as child car seats.
The IIHS tests assess two aspects of security. The first is crashworthiness (how a vehicle protects its passengers in the event of a collision), the second is accident prevention and mitigation. A total of seven models were tested: six mid-size sedans and one estate. Read on to find out how the cars available in Israel have completed their tests.
Subaru Outback
The only vehicle that has not been criticized by experts thanks to high ground clearance and solid dimensions. In Israel, the new Subaru Outback is represented by the sixth generation, released in 2019. In general, the best results of all-terrain vehicles are a common thing. But, in any case, the vehicle justified the manufacturer’s statement about its safety. After the restyling which took place in the spring of 2022, estates are equipped with an updated EyeSight system with new software and an extended viewing angle from the stereo cameras located under the windshield. The safest is the top-end Touring version with an additional camera that helps recognize pedestrians and cyclists more accurately and quickly. The new emergency automatic steering system helps bypass them. If for some reason this is not possible, an electric brake booster will help, which will ensure faster deceleration.
Hyundai Sonata
This 4.9 m long car received an ‘acceptable’ rating. In Israel, the 8th generation sedan 2019 is presented in two versions: with a 1.6-liter turbo engine with 180 hp and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, as well as in a hybrid version with a capacity of 192 hp. The hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter Smartstream G2.0 GDi gasoline direct injection engine (152 hp, 188 Nm). The electric motor is integrated into a 6-speed automatic gearbox, its maximum power is 52 hp and 205 Nm. Safety is guaranteed by the Smart Sense electronic assistant complex, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking system, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and high beam control. There are 9 airbags.
Volkswagen Jetta
The German sedan received an ‘acceptable’ rating. However, only the previous generation car was sold in Israel. Therefore, the new seventh generation Jetta already has automatic braking and blind spot monitoring systems, as well as six airbags. For an extra charge, you can get the IQ.Drive package, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Honda Accord
Honda should be ashamed because one of the iconic samurais received a ‘Marginal’ rating in the side crash tests, the second after the lowest (there are 4 ratings in total). Certainly, in the rest of the tests, the results were good, which was facilitated by a successful design. The new, 11th generation, which will however be released in 2023, has increased body rigidity compared to its predecessor. It will be bigger. Another new Accord will be equipped with an improved camera with an increased viewing angle of 90 degrees, adaptive cruise control and sensors that ensure the operation of the blind spot monitoring system.
Toyota Camry
Toyota’s bestseller proved to be the worst of all models along with the Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu! These sedans have the lowest rating due to issues with the body structure and the operation of their airbags. Upon impact, the dummy’s head slipped under the curtain, meaning serious neck injuries. In Israel, the eighth generation Toyota Camry restyled in 2021 comes with a 218 horsepower hybrid system. The car, created from high-strength steels, received an improved safety system Toyota Safety Sense, which includes updated collision avoidance functions in various traffic situations and an emergency braking system in front a barrier. The system has learned to recognize other vehicles on turns. The manufacturer has upgraded lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, which is now able to read traffic signs.
Nissan Altima
In addition to the lowest rating, the new Nissan Altima, presented in Israel, can offer a 2.5-liter 188 hp engine with a CVT. After the 2022 restyling, the same engine produces 191 hp. The Safety Shield 360 security complex, which includes an automatic emergency braking system, a lane keeping assist system, a blind spot monitoring system, an automatic high beam control system and multi-purpose cameras. ProPilot adaptive cruise control is available for an extra charge.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is the only American model in our review. The Israeli market offers the ninth generation sedan restyled in 2018, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 163 hp, a CVT and front-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes 8 airbags (including curtains), rear camera, rear parking sensor, cruise control, ABS and ASR, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring system, collision avoidance system, brake assist and stability control. The superior version has a hatch through which (in extreme cases) you can exit in case of locked doors.
