Maxima, Verona Get Low Scores in Crash Tests
The 2005 Nissan Maxima and Suzuki Verona received marginal ratings in crash test results released Sunday by an insurance industry group. Researchers questioned how well the vehicles would protect occupants in side-impact collisions.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Chevrolet Malibu and Audi A4 its top score, good, in side-impact tests of five 2005 model mid-size sedans. The Volvo S60 rated the second-highest score of acceptable.
The tests reflect what happens when vehicles are hit in the side by a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle. The latest results “show that more and more manufacturers are improving their vehicles to better protect occupants in side-impact crashes,” said Adrian Lund, the institute’s chief operating officer.
The institute gave the Maxima and Verona its second-lowest rating. Their side structures were unlikely to provide effective side protection, even with air bags that guard the head, the institute said.
In a side-impact crash, the Maxima’s driver might suffer rib fractures, internal injuries and a left leg fracture, the institute said. The Maxima’s price starts at $27,500.
The driver of the Verona might suffer a fractured pelvis and a rear passenger might have rib fractures, internal injuries and a fractured left leg. The Verona starts at about $17,500.
Lund said Suzuki should be commended for making standard side air bags in the new model. The 2004 model received a poor rating from the institute.
American Suzuki Motor Corp. said in a statement that the Verona was safe and reliable and complied with all federal crash test standards.
Nissan North America Inc. said in a statement that the Maxima was designed “to provide a high level of occupant safety in a wide range of real-world crashes, including side-impact collisions.”
In the Volvo model, the institute found that standard curtain air bags in the vehicle offered good head protection but a fractured pelvis would probably result in a side-impact crash. Lund said Volvo “still has some work to do” on the S60.
Volvo Cars of North America said in a statement that it was pleased with the acceptable score. The company noted the high safety ratings of the S60 in worldwide evaluations.
Lund said the Malibu made strides compared with the 2004 model, which did not provide good protection to the chest and abdomen. To address the concern, General Motors Corp. added torso air bags for front-seat occupants.
“You don’t have to buy an expensive luxury car to get good protection for your family in a serious crash,” Lund said.
The institute said nine mid-size sedans had good ratings in side-impact crashes. In addition to the Malibu and A4, they are the Saab 9-3, Acura TL, Lexus ES300/330, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Galant.
