IIHS Rates Smart in Crash Tests

Smart's diminutive fortwo has received its final grade in the IIHS'

front offset and

side-impact crash tests, and the verdict is “Good”.

During

the frontal test, in which the smart car meets a deformable barrier at 40 mph, it received an overall rating of “Good”; its Tridion

safety cell absorbed the impact, and the vehicle' structure remained

intact. "Good", incidentally, is the highest rating possible.

With regards to its side-impact

score, the fortwo also received the “Good” rating for protecting its

occupants, although one door became unlatched during the test, similar

to what occurred in the NHTSA side impact test. Although this had no

effect on the dummy's movements, it meant that for the category of

“Structure”, the fortwo's side impact collision is rated “Acceptable”

rather than “Good”. Surely, in the coming weeks modifications will be

made, and the

smart should improve its rating.

Adrian

Lund, the IIHS' president says, “All things being equal in safety,

safety into a very small package.”

The IIHS also gave the fortwo an

“Acceptable” rating for protection in rear-end collisions thanks to its

anti-whiplash seats.

While it may be true

that the fortwo's crash test ratings only apply to vehicles of a

similar size and weight, and that there isn't any other mass-produced

vehicle sold in North America that comes close to matching it, its results are

nevertheless good news for smart, which has faced an uphill

battle with regulators since its launch this year in the United States.