DETROIT — Two redesigned Honda Civic models were the only small cars to get the top rating in stringent front-end crash tests performed by an insurance industry group.
In all, half the 12 compact and subcompact cars tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety fared poorly; six performed well. Safety is critical in the small-car market, with buyers downsizing from larger vehicles.
The two-door and four-door Civics earned “good” ratings, while the Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and 2014 Scion tC were “acceptable.”