poor safety ratings on fit?
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,661
From: Georgia
The IIHS found fault with the Fit's integrity in the test in two areas:
I don't think it's worth losing sleep over, especially given the spread of late model cars (all costing more) that have this in common. I think it will reduce the value of GEs a small amount. Probably a good negotiating point on 2013s.
Here's their summary
- The seatbelt didn't properly restrain the dummy and allowed him to do a face-plant to the outside of the steering wheel. I think this was attributed to structural failure.
- Intrusion into the occupant space in the foot area.
I don't think it's worth losing sleep over, especially given the spread of late model cars (all costing more) that have this in common. I think it will reduce the value of GEs a small amount. Probably a good negotiating point on 2013s.
Here's their summary
Structure
The driver's space was seriously compromised by intruding structure. Lower interior intrusion measured as much as 34 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 31 cm at the hinge pillar. The steering column was pushed back 12 cm toward the driver.
Injury measures
Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left hip and left lower leg would be likely in a crash of this severity and injuries to the left knee and right lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the instrument panel hit was low.
Restraints and dummy kinematics
The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side as the steering column moved 14 cm to the right. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso, contributing to the head hitting the instrument panel. The side curtain airbag deployed but does not have sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with forward side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag deployed.
The driver's space was seriously compromised by intruding structure. Lower interior intrusion measured as much as 34 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 31 cm at the hinge pillar. The steering column was pushed back 12 cm toward the driver.
Injury measures
Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left hip and left lower leg would be likely in a crash of this severity and injuries to the left knee and right lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the instrument panel hit was low.
Restraints and dummy kinematics
The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side as the steering column moved 14 cm to the right. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso, contributing to the head hitting the instrument panel. The side curtain airbag deployed but does not have sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with forward side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag deployed.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,500
From: New York
I haven't seen any insurance data indicating that MT cars get into fewer accidents than AT cars. I'd expect the insurance cost to be a bit lower because the cars are a bit less expensive, but if anybody has info that MT cars are significantly cheaper to insure, post away!
I don't even think they ask if it's MT or AT when you get insurance though maybe it's just my company.
I don't think MT makes me concentrate any more than AT. Once it's all muscle memory you don't even think about shifting anyway. You just do it. I tried to not heel toe at a corner one time that I always do and tried to tell myself to just take the corner and downshift after and I couldn't do it LOL.
On the other hand I think learning to drive MT did make me more aware, but now I can eat a Big Mac talk on my phone and shift no problem, though I don't do it.
I don't think MT makes me concentrate any more than AT. Once it's all muscle memory you don't even think about shifting anyway. You just do it. I tried to not heel toe at a corner one time that I always do and tried to tell myself to just take the corner and downshift after and I couldn't do it LOL.
On the other hand I think learning to drive MT did make me more aware, but now I can eat a Big Mac talk on my phone and shift no problem, though I don't do it.
I just read this and I agree:
IIHS Subcompact Car Crash Results: Let's All Calm Down
I still love my Fit
IIHS Subcompact Car Crash Results: Let's All Calm Down
I still love my Fit
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Packy
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May 10, 2006 09:52 AM
