Excerpted from the full news release at http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr061109.html
Click on the above link for the entire news release with details of the bumper testing and rating criteria used by IIHS, and a related online video with crash test footage. A .pdf copy of the press release with a ratings chart may be viewed at http://www.iihs.org/news/2009/iihs_news_061109.pdf
IIHS News Release | June 11, 2009
Mini and microcar bumpers allow pricey damage;
none of the 7 tested rates good under new system
ARLINGTON, VA — Urban drivers often pick mini and microcars because they're affordable, fuel efficient, and easy to park on city streets. Fender-benders are hazards of urban driving, and just one of them can add up to thousands of dollars in repair costs because the bumpers don't adequately protect vehicles from damage. None of the bumpers on 7 mini and microcars the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently tested earns the top rating of good, and just 1, the Smart Fortwo, is acceptable. Five out of the 7 earn poor ratings and 1 earns a marginal.
The Institute evaluated results according to a new ratings protocol for low-speed tests that better represents the damage insurance claims centers assess daily. The worst performer is the Kia Rio with $9,380 total damage in the 4 tests, 2 full-width and 2 corner impacts, to earn a poor rating. The Rio's repair bill is worse than those of most other small and midsize cars and minivans the Institute has tested. This minicar racked up about $3,700 damage, or 30 percent of its purchase price, in the full-front test alone. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Mini Cooper also earn poor ratings for bumper performance.
Click on the above link for the entire news release with details of the bumper testing and rating criteria used by IIHS, and a related online video with crash test footage. A .pdf copy of the press release with a ratings chart may be viewed at http://www.iihs.org/news/2009/iihs_news_061109.pdf