Minicars Miss the Mark in IIHS Overlap Test

Of 11 minicars tested in the new, more challenging small overlap front crash, only one vehicle, the Chevrolet Spark, earns a rating better than marginal or poor. The worst performers are the Honda Fit and Fiat 500. The test at 40 mph simulates a crash where one corner of a vehicle clips another vehicle on the highway or strikes a tree or telephone pole. IIHS implemented the new test in 2012 after research showed that about 25% of the serious injuries still occurring in frontal crashes are the result of small overlap collisions.

Minicars are the worst performing group so far in this test.