Finding Out When New Cars Will Be Tested?

Defrost · May 22, 2007

Can anyone tell me how (or if) I can find out when a new car will be crash-tested?

Also, if a car has been tested in another country, how can I find the results of those tests (aside from the car manufacturer's website?)

(We're considering the new Mazda5, and it's working for us in every way except that it hasn't been crash-tested in the U.S. yet. None of the salespeople were able to tell me how long I'll have to wait for that, and I haven't been able to find out online.)

SafeDad · May 22, 2007

In the past, I have emailed NHTSA and IIHS at the addresses on their websites, asking when a model will be tested. I'd say about half the time I get a response and they usually give me a rough estimate or tell me that the model is not due for testing this year.

southpawboston · May 22, 2007

Defrost said:
Also, if a car has been tested in another country, how can I find the results of those tests (aside from the car manufacturer's website?)

you can go to the EU's version of NHTSA/IIHS, called euroNCAP, at euroncap.com. they tested the euro-spec mazda5 and it earned top ratings (it also earned top ratings in japanese NCAP, but i don't have the internet link to the english version of japNCAP).

however, there can be differences in seatbelt design, airbag deployment software settings, and possibly even minor structural supplements in different markets, designed to make the vehicle perform well within the very narrow crash test settings of that particular market. so, a top rated car in euroNCAP may not necessarily be a top performer in NHTSA/IIHS testing, and vice versa.

still, it can be useful data and in general, the top performers in one country are usually top performers in other markets.

Judi · May 23, 2007

I want to know about the 2008 T&C! Of course, with the seats rear facing!

southpawboston · May 23, 2007

i don't think NHTSA or IIHS tests their vehicles with any seats out of the "standard" position. they also don't crash test the second or third rows, IIRC... but i could be wrong.

Namegirl · May 23, 2007

I have a Mazda 5 and we were content with the European crash test ratings (which were quite good). I'll definitely check out the US ratings when they are done, but it didn't deter us from buying the car.

I LOVE my car!

Defrost · May 23, 2007

Thanks for all the info! I appreciate the replies, it really helps.

Namegirl, have you had any trouble with carseat installations? We'll just be using a Husky and two (possibly one) Turboboosters, and I intend to try out the Husky in the car before buying, of course. I'm slightly annoyed that it doesn't have LATCH in all four rear-seating positions as that would give us slightly more options, but from what I understand that's typical.

southpawboston · May 23, 2007

Namegirl said:
I have a Mazda 5 and we were content with the European crash test ratings (which were quite good). I'll definitely check out the US ratings when they are done, but it didn't deter us from buying the car.

I LOVE my car!

same here; i didn't actually buy a 5 since i opted for the 3 instead, but with both cars getting top ratings in euroNCAP, i wasn't too worried.

Namegirl · May 23, 2007

Defrost said:
Namegirl, have you had any trouble with carseat installations? We'll just be using a Husky and two (possibly one) Turboboosters, and I intend to try out the Husky in the car before buying, of course. I'm slightly annoyed that it doesn't have LATCH in all four rear-seating positions as that would give us slightly more options, but from what I understand that's typical.

I've had great success with my carseat installs in all seats, but I've never personally installed a Husky. However, I know a tech from another board with a Mazda 5 and a Regent and she has a great install. Just remember to put the armrest up if you're using the 2nd row. I have removed or reversed the headrests for some installations, but it was no big deal. While there are lower anchors only in the 2nd row, all 4 rear seats do have tether anchors. :thumbsup:

Defrost · May 23, 2007

Namegirl said:
I've had great success with my carseat installs in all seats, but I've never personally installed a Husky. However, I know a tech from another board with a Mazda 5 and a Regent and she has a great install. Just remember to put the armrest up if you're using the 2nd row. I have removed or reversed the headrests for some installations, but it was no big deal. While there are lower anchors only in the 2nd row, all 4 rear seats do have tether anchors. :thumbsup:

That's good to hear about your friend's Regent, thanks! Why does the armrest have to be up? I know I've heard that before, but I can't recall why?

I checked for tether anchors and noticed all four had them & was pleased to see at least that. Those poor salespeople, though. They really had no clue. When I mentioned LATCH they just said "Yeah, LATCH is standard, and it's SUCH a great safety feature, Mazda is ALL ABOUT safety!" (as if it wasn't required by law and every other new car in town didn't have standard LATCH as well) but then they didn't know where it was!

I showed up with my friend, who is also a CPST, and we were going ON about the whole deal; how my 11yo son might fit in the back without his booster (he's been complaining), all four tether anchors, where to put the Husky, LATCH it, long-belt it, etc etc! They kept looking at us like we had four heads! What I thought was really sad, though, was that they said they'd "never met" a CPST. They should have them on staff, or at least know how to contact them for their customers!

Thanks again for the help!

Namegirl · May 23, 2007

Defrost said:
Why does the armrest have to be up?

I think it's just because the Regent/Husky is so wide! If you can leave it down and fit the seat in, then that's fine. I've just heard that suggested for Regent installs in the 5.

Judi · May 23, 2007

southpawboston said:
i don't think NHTSA or IIHS tests their vehicles with any seats out of the "standard" position. they also don't crash test the second or third rows, IIRC... but i could be wrong.

That is what I am afraid of, so I will have to wait for real world data. The kids will be out of the house by the time that's in!

Finding Out When New Cars Will Be Tested?

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