Subcompact cars fare poorly in new crash tests

While I applaud tests that improve car safety, my inner cynic sees great news for SUV makers (largely US) and, as a consequence, oil companies (largely US).

Double Jim Beams all round! (oops)

Think this is bad? Where are the test results for K cars........ Those cars offer as much road safety as a paper bag.

The institute's small overlap test, which was introduced in 2012, mimics what happens when a car's front corner collides with another vehicle or an object like a utility pole.

Question to Japanese government road safety experts, why are so many utility poles actually placed IN the road?

Isn't this already well-known

I think people have to remember the IIHS slight offset barrier crash test has only been done since 2012--and very few cars actually pass that test even now. We do know the 2009-2013 model year Honda Fit for the US market has done well on the other IIHS crash tests, including the older offset barrier crash. I believe the 2015 Honda Fit for the US market--which will arrive at US dealers around April 2014--will meet pass the slight offset barrier crash test.

I will never buy anything smaller than a 4 door wagon because I am opposed to sitting in a death trap.....

“Small, lightweight vehicles have an inherent safety disadvantage"

Yeah, but they also have an inherent economic advantage. It's a tradeoff.

every time you get in one of these gas sipping tin cans and enter the highway you have to ask yourself "am I feeling lucky?"

Well, do ya, punk? Hee hee!

As I have said before, You gotta watch out for thos drunk lamp posts when you get in your buzz box. The just jump out from nowhere.