IIHS-Top Safety Pick 2012 Cars (Part-1)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced at Thursday September 6, 2012 that the 2013 Ford Escape, Acura ILX, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S earned the organization’s Top Safety Pick accolade.

In order to be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must achieve a top score of “good” in all of the organization’s tests, including front, side and rear crash tests, as well as a rollover test. The IIHS recently introduced a new front-impact safety test, the small front overlap frontal crash test, designed to evaluate a vehicle on its ability to keep passengers safe in an accident where the front corner of the vehicle hits an object. This new test is not part of the criteria for a vehicle to be a Top Safety Pick though.

The IIHS said most automakers aced the current moderate overlap front test, as the engine absorbs much of the impact of the collision.

2013 Ford Escape

The Escape was completely redesigned for 2013, while the latter three are all-new 2013 models. The IIHS says that the 2013 Ford Escape improved over the previous generation, which scored a “marginal” rating in the roof strength test and a “good” rating in the other three tests.

To earn the top score of “good” in the roof test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to support the load of four times the vehicle’s weight, says Kicking Tires.

2013 Ford Escape. (Picture from: http://www.autoblog.com/)

The federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performs slightly different crash tests, and has evaluated the 2013 Escape. The Escape earns four out of five stars in front crash and rollover tests and five stars in side crash tests for an overall score of four stars.

2013 Acura ILX

The 2013 Acura ILX is the latest model to join the list of Acura vehicles that have received IIHS Top Safety Pick titles. This is also the carmaker’s newest model, so it has earned its place in the headlines.

The ILX managed to received the “Good” rating (this is the highest one available) in all four tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including the roof strength test.

2013 Acura ILX. (Picture from: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/)

Like we said, Acura has multiple models that show this asset, with the ILX joining the 2013 RDX, 2012 TL, MDX and TSX. The automotive producer explains that the safety test success comes thanks to the use of its advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure, which allows the car to behave well in all kind of tests.

2013 Subaru BRZ

The all-new 2013 Subaru BRZ earned a "good" rating – the top rank – in the moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations.

"With BRZ, Subaru has brought back the affordable sports car; and FHI engineering in the product has led not only to great driving fun but also top safety marks," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc.

2013 Subaru BRZ. (Picture from: http://www.caranddriver.com/)

"We are passionate and uncompromising in our commitment to safety.  Subaru is thrilled to continue as an industry leader in this area."

2013 Scion FR-S

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently recognized the 2013 Scion FR-S as a Top Safety Pick. And that, in turn, refers to the FR-S’ ability to pass all phases of IIHS crash testing, including evaluations for occupant protection in front, rear, side and rollover crash scenarios.

The 2013 Scion FR-S, got top marks in all categories tested. The IIHS found that the drivers survival space was well maintained after the crash and no intrusion was made into the drivers area. Safety features on the cars include side airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights.

2013 Scion FR-S. (Picture from: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/)

But either way, the new Scion’s safety accolades are well earned, and are backed by Scion’s Star Safety System. The comprehensive suite of advanced safety measures combines vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and Smart-Stop technology for surer footing in a wide range of surfaces and driving conditions. Of course, the FR-S’ “Pure Balance” driving dynamics don’t hurt either. (Continued Part-2.) *** [FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EKA | IIHS]
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