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IIHS safety ratings: Why did they award it to only those vehicles built after 2013 Nov

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Sanjath, Dec 19, 2013.

  1. Sanjath

    Sanjath Member

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    From the release:
    "
    Small cars
    • Honda Civic 4-door
    • Mazda 3
      built after October 2013
    • Toyota Prius
      built after November 2013

    News releases


    What really changed in Nov 2013? Any insights?
     
    #1 Sanjath, Dec 19, 2013
    wjtracy likes this.
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    News releases

    Geez from Arlington, VA my backyard....but sure sounds like Toyota has addressed the small overlap crash test?

    EDIT- OK yes being discussed here:
    The Prius has been updated and those built after November 2013 now get the top rating of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The Camry has also been updated and those built after the same date are a Top Safety Pick.
    (see older thread on IIHS crash test)
     
    #2 wjtracy, Dec 19, 2013
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wonder what they could have done so quickly, without redesigning the whole frame/chassis/etc.?
     
    #3 bisco, Dec 20, 2013
  4. zhenya

    zhenya Active Member

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    I think they probably were able to reinforce the front bumper beam to deflect the energy of the impact off to the side. If you watch the crash tests of vehicles that perform well vs. those that don't, the two things that seem to happen are that deflection, turning the collision into a glancing blow, and a greatly reinforced a-pillar. I think they could improve those two things quite easily even mid-model year.
     
    #4 zhenya, Dec 20, 2013
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