Kia Spectra Earns Insurance Industry's Worst Vehicle Crash Test Rating

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced that the Kia Spectra is the first vehicle since 2001 to receive the association's worst safety rating in a frontal crash test.

The Kia Spectra earned the lowest rating of poor after a crash test dummy's head, legs and chest were damaged in a 40 mph crash test. The last vehicle to get a poor rating was the Chevrolet Cavalier in 2001.

"Most manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles to do a good job protecting people in frontal crashes," said Adrian Lund, the institute's COO. "The Kia Spectra lags behind its competitors."

Kia Motors America Inc. said that it had meetings with institute officials to find out how to improve the car's performance. Kia also said it was comfortable with the level of safety the Spectra currently offers. "Occupant safety is a priority for Kia," Kia responded. "In the development of this car the Spectra has undergone a battery of tests, and we continue to have a high degree of confidence in the real-world protection offered by this vehicle."

The Insurance Institute gave its highest ratings to the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3, while second highest ratings of acceptable were given to the Suzuki Forenza and Saturn ION.

Ratings are based on three factors: the amount the vehicle crumples into the driver's space, injuries to the crash test dummy and also a slow-motion analysis of the seat belt at work.

Lund added that, "Besides the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra, eleven other vehicles have acceptable ratings. They include the Volkswagen New Beetle and VW Jetta, Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus and the Honda Civic." Most of these cars were tested at an earlier date by the insurance institute, who only tests vehicles as they get redesigned.