Most small cars rate Poor in IIHS bumper tests

In tests of seven small and subcompact cars, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that none of the bumpers performed well in the equivalent of minor fender benders. In the four tests performed on each vehicle – full-width front and rear, and front and rear corner impacts – the worst-performing Kia Rio hatchback sustained $9,340 in total damage. Our tested Rio stickered for $14,110, so the damage amounts to more than two thirds of the car's original MSRP. Damage to the Rio would cost more than a used Rio would be worth and to repair than most midsized cars and minivans the IIHS has tested.

In addition to the Rio, the Institute tested the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, Smart ForTwo, and Toyota Yaris. (Click links for road test videos.) IIHS rates cars on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. Of the seven cars, none rated Good, and only the Smart rated Acceptable due in part to its pliable plastic parts. The Chevrolet Aveo received a Marginal rating, and all the rest rated Poor.

The IIHS introduced a new rating system for its bumper tests. The full-width front and rear tests are run at 6 mph (more than twice the federal standard which dictates 2.5 mph impact with no damage) and the corner tests at 3 mph. The test results are weighted according to how frequently those types of accidents actually occur, and the Institute calculates an average repair cost based on the weighting. To receive a Good rating, the average must be below $500, which is the cost of the deductible on most insurance policies. The cutoff for an Acceptable rating is $1,000, about the cost of replacing the bumper cover, reinforcement bar and paint on most cars, IIHS says. Any cost beyond that involves replacing lights, grilles, or engine cooling parts, for example, and warrants a Poor rating. Vehicles that are unable or unsafe to drive after one of the tests cannot receive better than a Marginal rating.

The IIHS's bumper tests have no bearing on occupant protection or crash safety, only the cost of repairing damage from minor impacts such as what could happen in a parking lot. The costs of such repairs can have a big impact on insurance premiums.

Consumers buy small cars to save money, says IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. But these tests show one minor fender bender can wipe out any savings from their good fuel economy and low purchase prices.

Over 300 crash tests conducted by IIHS can be seen in our crash test video player. Also, videos on current-generation vehicles are now available from the model overview pages (for subscribers).

—Eric Evarts

Learn about car safety in "Crash Test 101" and "Rollover 101."