With small cars becoming more and more popular, the automakers are leaving no stone unturned to improve the safety of small cars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an insurance industry funded center for evaluation of crash protection which recently completed the final series of tests on 2009 small cars, said, overall for the year, front crash test results across the two classes were generally good. As many as 11 of 21 new models also recorded good ratings for side protection. More vehicles have side airbags as standard equipment. However, some new models still have delivered mixed performances in crash tests, according to the IIHS.

The Suzuki Motor Corporation’s SX4 and the Toyota Motor Company’s Matrix (along with its twin, Pontiac Vibe made by General Motors Corp) bagged the highest rating of ‘good’ for side crash protection. Only the Ford Motor Company’s Focus earned a good rating in rear crashes as measured by the quality of head and neck restraints.

Though the automotive sales for the year decreased by 16.3 per cent, the small car sales are up by 1.2 percent. Interestingly, Japanese manufacturers dominate the class that has become more popular with consumers seeking greater fuel efficiency. The IIHS said many automakers are yet to pay close attention to rear-crash protection.