Small Cars Fall Short in Crash Test Study

ARLINGTON, Va. — Consumers rushing to buy small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Scion xB because of their fuel-efficiency may want to check the latest ratings.

The Nissan Versa (pictured) came off best among small cars in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's first subcompact crash testing. (Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.)

In its first crash tests of subcompacts, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that most small cars do not measure up when it comes to protecting occupants, and it urged consumers to stick with bigger, heavier vehicles. The Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Scion xB were among the poorest performers in the new round of tests. Among the cars tested, the Nissan Versa rated the highest in all three crash test categories: front, side and rear.

"The Hyundai Accent, the Scion xB and the Toyota Yaris without its optional side airbags earn poor ratings in the side test," the institute said in a statement. "The Chevrolet Aveo is marginal. The Accent and Aveo don't perform well even though they have standard side airbags. The Accent's structural performance in the side test also was marginal."

"People traveling in small, light cars are at a disadvantage, especially when they collide with bigger, heavier vehicles," said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

Driver deaths in subcompacts are higher than in any other vehicle category, he said. The institute evaluated cars weighing 2,500 pounds or less.

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