Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety publishes its “Top Safety Pick” report. The Institue provides a rating of “good”, “acceptable”, “marginal”, or “poor” based on each vehicle’s performance in high-speed front and side impact tests as well as evaluations of seat and head restraints for protection against injuries sustained in rear-impact crashes.
In order for a vehicle to be eligible for the “Top Safety Pick” it must first receive a “GOOD” rating in all three tests. Starting in 2007, each winning vehicle must also offer electronic stability control (ESC). ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to help the driver maintain control in situations where a vehicle without ESC would skid out of control and likely leave the road. This criteria was added based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially fatal single vehicle crashes.
You can learn more about the specific testing details here.
The Winners for 2007 in the categories of Large Car, Midsize Car, Minivan, Midsize SUV and Small SUV are:
Large Car
2007 Audi A6 - since 2005 the Audi A6 has had good performance in the front, side and rear tests and comes standard with ESC.
Midsize Cars
2007 Audi A4 - since February 2002 the Audi A4 has consistently received a “good” rating in the frontal crash test. “Good” ratings on the side impact crash test have come from Audi A4 models manufactured after October 2004.
2007 Saab 9-3 - The Saab 9-3 has received a “good” rating in the frontal crash test for models dating back to 2003. 2004-2007 Saab 9-3 models have received a “good” rating in the side impact crash test.
2007 Subaru Legacy - The Subaru Legacy has received a “good” rating in the frontal crash test dating back to 2000. Improved performance in the side impact crash test promoted the 2006-2007 model to a “good” rating up from “marginal” the year before. ESC is optional on the Subaru Legacy.
Minivans
There are two winners in the minivan category:
2007 Hyundai Entourage - brand new for 2007, the Hyundai Entourgae made its debut with “Good” ratings in both the frontal and side impact crash tests and comes standard with ESC.
2007 Kia Sedona - beginning with the 2006-2007 models years, the Kia Sedona received “good” ratings in both crash tests and comes standard with eletronic stability control.
Tomorrow we’ll feature the 7 models in the midsize SUV category as well as the 2 small SUV winners.
To receive a free purchase or leasing quote on any of these “2007 Safest Vehicles” please check out www.autofigures.com. Our new car dealers will provide pricing and safety information on all of the vehicles mentioned in this post.
[tags]safe cars, kia sedona, hyundai entourage, audi a6, audi a4, saab 9-3, subaru legacy, car safety[/tags]
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