Many micro- and mini-cars fail IIHS bumper tests

None of the bumpers on the seven micro- or mini-car models tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) earned a ‘good’ rating, and only one earned an ‘acceptable’ rating.
While consumers look to these smaller models for cost and fuel savings, the repair costs of fender benders in these kinds of cars could translate into big bucks, reports the IIHS.
Five out of the seven models tested earned a ‘poor’ rating and one earned a ‘marginal.’
The worst performer is the Kia Rio, which sustained [US]$9,380 total damage in the four low-speed tests (two full-width and two corner impacts), an IIHS release says.
This minicar racked up about [US]$3,700 damage, or 30% of its purchase price, in the full-front test alone.
The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Mini Cooper also earned poor ratings for bumper performance.
The Smart Fortwo is the best overall, the institute says, with [US]$3,281 total damage in four tests.
Costs are relatively low for this microcar because its pre-painted plastic body panels are dent-resistant, inexpensive and easy to replace, the IIHS suggests.
“Damage to sheet metal, air conditioning condensers and safety equipment like headlights should never happen when your car is bumped at just three to six miles an hour,” says IIHS senior vice president Joe Nolan.
“Bad bumpers add up to one big headache for consumers.”