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The R53 side air bags were "tubular" - meaning the extend down to cover the tops of the windows. Does the R56 have more of the "curtain" airbags that cover the entire window?
"The Institute’s side test is especially challenging for small cars because the barrier that strikes the test vehicle represents the front end of a pickup truck or SUV."
The IIHS is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. By cautioning auto buyers from buying normal sized cars (US is the only country who considers Pickup trucks and SUVs to be the standard size car!!! Everyone other country would consider a Camry HUGE.), they encourage us to buy Trucks. Therefore we need to guard against trucks. The likelyhood that I'll get killed in my normal car goes up every year that they encourage everyone else to buy a truck. The IIHS is increasing my chance of being killed!
They begin their report by mentioning the increase in mini-car purchases and then they go and test it against their standard of getting hit by the oversized vehicles that they are advocating. Fuel prices will force us to downsize and lighten our vehicles (it did in the 70s) and their inability to look to the future will impact our ability to move to a smaller class of cars.
Regarding the rear crash protection, they're measuring the seat bolted on a sled without the car's bumpers dynamics being considered. Oh wait did I say bumper? I should say rear spoiler as that's the level that a raised H2 will hit a Mini. But I wouldn't expect the IIHS to attack the truck owner as the problem.
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Last edited by karlInSanDiego; 12-21-2006 at 02:39 PM.
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