The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued its first safety ratings based on the new, more stringent crash testing protocols on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. Of the 33 cars tested under the new system, only two earned an overall five-star designation.
The improved testing program gives a single rating of one to five stars to each car tested in an effort to make the information more easily understood by consumers. The rating is inclusive of performance for front and side impact as well as rollover resistance.
The BMW 5-series and the Hyundai Sonata both earned five stars. Only two other vehicles earned less than four stars, the Toyota Camry with three and the Nissan Versa compact with two. (All cars that were tested had electronic stability control standard.)
"With our upgraded Five-Star Safety Ratings System, we're raising the bar on safety, said Ray LaHood, secretary of transportation. "Through new tests, better crash data, and higher standards, we are making the safety ratings tougher and more meaningful for consumers."
Testing now includes a diagonal slide into a pole to mimic a car skidding into a post or tree and crash dummies of various sizes were employed, including the use of a simulated female. In the past, only dummies approximating the size and weight of an average adult male were placed in the vehicles during the crashes.
The agency will ultimately rate 55 vehicles from the 2011 model year
source:http://www.carseek.com/news/october2010/BMW-Hyundai-earn-five-stars/
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