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Low End Sedans (under $16k)

3871 messages,  Last post on Dec 30, 2011 at 10:54 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota ECHO, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio, Nissan Sentra, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Spectra, Suzuki Forenza, Sedan

Messages Page 357 of 388

#3554 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [germancarfan1] by backy

May 26, 2006 (11:19 am)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (May 26, 2006 10:58 am)
No, 3 stars is not great. But the Accent has company. Other 2006 model cars that got 3 stars in the rear side impact are:
 
Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Stratus
Ford Taurus
Kia Rio
Kia Spectra
Mazda Mazda3
Nissan Altima
Pontiac Grand Prix
Suzuki Verona
Toyota Camry
VW New Beetle
 
At least the Accent got dual 5 stars for frontal impact and 4 stars for frontal side impact, which is better than any other car in the list above except the Camry (tie). And most of the cars in the above list are larger than the Accent. We'll have to see how the IIHS rates it. Since they take head injury into account, the Accent could come out better there with its standard side curtains.

#3555 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [backy] by germancarfan1

May 26, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2006 11:19 am)
Considering the Mazda3 and Nissan Altima were not tested w/ side airbags, while the Accent, with side airbags still scores a meager 3 stars, seems a pointless comparison.

#3556 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [backy] by alpha01

May 26, 2006 (11:43 am)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2006 11:19 am)
Hmmn. Except, the Accent was tested with its standard side airbags and curtains and managed only 4/3 stars for driver and rear passenger (respectively) in the NCAP, whereas many cars you mentioned above were tested WITHOUT that equipment, including the volume selling Altima and Camry. So, for example, the Camry's score of 4/3 was achieved without the added supplemental restraint system... with potential improvement. Accent? What you see is what you get, no potential improvement.
 
Also, you should disclaim that although your cross weight class comparison is VALID for the side impact tests of the IIHS and NHSTA, comparisons across weight classes in FRONTAL impacts ARE NOT DIRECTLY comparable. A 5 star frontal performance of the Accent is not necessarily equal to a 5 start frontal performance of the Camry due to the weight discrepancy, though they are both top notch scores within their respective classes.
 
~alpha

#3557 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [alpha01] by germancarfan1

May 26, 2006 (11:51 am)

Replying to: alpha01 (May 26, 2006 11:43 am)
One can imagine what the Accent would have scored without side airbags...1 star?
If it were me, i'd take a car with a strong structure over a car with a flimsy, weaker structure like the Accent bolstered only by some bags of air.
 
Ever press your hand against the side of the new Accent...it feels like tin foil. Compare that with the feeling you get from the new Honda Fit (just drove it, magnificant!). I'd glady pay $1-1.5K more for that safe feeling.

#3558 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [germancarfan1] by backy

May 26, 2006 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (May 26, 2006 11:51 am)
Since the NHTSA side tests don't incorporate head injury in their "star" scoring, and the side curtains serve mainly to keep the passenger's head from going out the window or striking something, it's possible the Accent would have received 3 stars even w/o the side curtains.
 
Did your test of the Accent include taking off the door's outer panel to look at the crash protection inside? The outer skin of the door doesn't provide much protection in crashes. The steel beams inside the doors and the "safety cage" of the car frame does that.
 
I am not sure why you think the structure of the Accent is "flimsy" and "weak" when it achieved better NHTSA side impact star scores than many larger, heavier cars, and its frontal impact star scores are as good as any car in its weight class.

#3559 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [backy] by alpha01

May 26, 2006 (12:07 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2006 12:04 pm)
Speculation of the Accent's scores without Side Curtains is MOOT. They're not sold this way, so who cares. The point is, backy, that for many of the cars you mention, its possible for those vehicles to be sold achieving a higher side impact rating. Hyundai should be lauded for making that extra safety equipment standard, however, it simply hasn't produced impressive results in this test. The disappointment is compounded by the fact that the outgoing Accent scored BETTER in this test than its replacement.
 
Hopefully the IIHS tests will give us some better information on structural integrity. I would certainly agreee that anecdotal evidence based on "touching" a door panel and extrapolating that into crashworthiness borders on the absurd.
 
~alpha

#3560 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [backy] by germancarfan1

May 26, 2006 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2006 12:04 pm)
"Did your test of the Accent include taking off the door's outer panel to look at the crash protection inside?"
 
I didn't need to. The doors felt like they weighed half as much as what the Honda Fit's doors weighed. It wasn't a good sign that when I closed the door in my test drive, it sounded similar to my friend's Yugo back in the day Either way, I ran away shuddering at the thought of a SUV broadsiding me during the test drive.
 
Let me ask you a question: why do you continually try to support and defend a car that has and is sub-par? Is it because of such a strong brand loyalty to Hyundai that you refuse to ackknowledge its short comings? Can Hyundai do no wrong? I own an Elantra, and while its a decent car, I have no problem identifying its major problems. And I have no problem calling the Accent for what it is, a poorly designed POS.

#3561 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [alpha01] by backy

May 26, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: alpha01 (May 26, 2006 11:43 am)

 
I don't need to disclaim anything since you stepped right up and did it for me. Thanks.
 
As for the Accent managing "only" 4 stars for frontal side impact with side bags, note that is as good or better than 2006 MY cars tested with SABs such as:
 
Acura RSX and TL
BMW Z4
Buick Lucerne
Cadillac CTS and DTS
Chevy Aveo
Ford Taurus
Honda Accord and Civic
Hyundai Tiburon
Jaguar S-Type and X-Type
Kia Optima, Rio, and Spectra
Lincoln LS
Mazda RX-8
Mini Cooper
Nissan Maxima
Saab 9-2X
Subaru Impreza
Suzuki Verona
VW Golf (2 dr.)

#3562 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [germancarfan1] by backy

May 26, 2006 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: germancarfan1 (May 26, 2006 12:14 pm)
I have no specific brand loyalty. (Maybe if I did have one, my handle would be something like "hyundaicarfan1"). I've owned lots of brands. The Fit is at the top of my list right now for my next new car. But I don't consider the Accent to be a poorly designed POS, so when someone else says it is, I will disagree. I have examined the Accent closely on at least four occasions and have taken it on a long test drive. To me, the Accent seems like a solid, quiet, quality little car. I've read many reviews on the Accent and I haven't seen one yet that disagrees with my opinion. You don't agree, and that's fine. But I will call 'em as I see 'em.
 
If you think that I believe Hyundai can do no wrong, you haven't been around Town Hall very long.

#3563 of 3871 Re: Accent and Rio - crash tests [backy] by alpha01

May 26, 2006 (12:46 pm)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2006 12:18 pm)
Ahh, details. You misquote me. I stated in post 3556 "only 4/3 stars for driver and rear passenger". I never explictly stated ONLY 4 stars for driver, I took issue with the performance of both tested passengers, as I am aware that many vehicles have scored 4/4, which isnt bad at all. 3 stars... gives pause for concern.
 
Go back over your list and whittle it down to vehicles, with side protection that only mangaged 4/3. Suddenly, your list shrinks. Significantly.
 
And since the side impact scores are directly comparable across weight classes, I'll also go as far to say that the Accent's disappointing performance is not only worse that its predecessor's, is also among the very worst of ALL vehicles tested with supplemental side airbags, whether optional or standard.
 
~alpha

Messages Page 357 of 388

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