[124 Spider News]

4 is good 5 would of been better, lets see what Fiat can do.

The Mazda MX-5 just underwent Euro NCAP crash testing and it came away with a respectable 4 out of 5 stars.

Euro NCAP says that the Mazda performed well across all tests, lauding the MX-5's standard deployable hood for protecting pedestrians.

They did note that in the event of a frontal impact the drivers head may make contact with the steering wheel as the airbag didn't have enough pressure. They said dummy readings were good regardless. Chest protection in the event of a side impact is only rated as adequate, but lets be serious, you're buying a convertible and they inherently offer less protection.

Safety Assists are what kept the MX-5 from reaching 5/5. Mazda doesn't offer an autonomous braking system, leaving it with a 64% rating for Safety Assists.

The package seems fairly robust, should Fiat want that 5 star rating for the 124 Spider they'll only need to include autonomous braking.

 

[ItsyBitsy]

Frontal crumple looks like it doesn't even reach the driver which is great but the side airbag leaves a large portion of your arm unprotected. Most likely will come out with a broken arm if you get hit on the side in the 124.

 

[charlotte]

That looks pretty good for a 64mph and the full frontal crash looks even better. Your head will be sufficiently protected in a side collision but yea, looks like your shoulder area takes the brunt of it unless they install more air bags.

 

[spilner]

Not bad at all considering how small of a vehicle it is and the intensity of the crash. Only so much to expect out of these and from what can be made of it so far... it's quite safe.

 

[Jack]

I think that Fiat should totally go for the front crash prevention. They need to separate from the Mazda and that seems like a great way. Techand safety rating.

 

[morrisg]

Interesting in that the front offset crash causes the rear fender just behind the door to crumple / distort. The new chassis that has more in line structure than before sure works - it transfers / spreads that energy across the entire car body!

 

[Busta]

Frontal crumple looks like it doesn't even reach the driver which is great but the side airbag leaves a large portion of your arm unprotected. Most likely will come out with a broken arm if you get hit on the side in the 124.

In all honesty when you're driving a convertible you've already made the choice to be kept less 'safe' then normal...

 

[charlotte]

I ride motorcycles so I've already made the choice to be less safe than normal. A convertible is actually an upgrade in terms of safety.
At some point will all manufacturers have safety assist as standard? They keep missing that 1 point due to the lack of it.

 

[Busta]

maybe thats why the 124 has a longer front overhang?

 

[spilner]

Good point. It's always easier working forward, adding to the front end, i just hope whatever they did didn't add too much weight, lightness is key.

 

[ItsyBitsy]

Saw a few other crash test for other car models and they all had a pedestrian crash test done. Is the front of the 124 Spider flexible to reduce pedestrian damage?

 

[morrisg]

Go back to post #1 and play the YouTube video. You can see in the second test (full frontal impact) the hood pops up about 6 inches to reduce pedestrian injuries. Again, at the end of the video, they show head impact with the raised hood and leg impact with the front urethane nose. I expect similar things from the Fiat 124 Spider. After all, they know what works on the Mazda ND.

 

[Ace Orthopod]

Ace Orthopod

Not sure which of you guys works in Major Trauma Centre or is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - I am both - the right upper limb looks as well protected as in any side impact in a relatively small car. What matters are the lateral flexion injury to the cervical spine & lateral compression to the pelvis - they score high on the Injury Severity Score & matter - the car seems to perform as well as any without curtain airbags in both.
As in all cases prevention is paramount ! There is good visibility & it is likely to be driven by the experienced who drive well & are a good judge of speed & distance.

 

[jackly]

overall I think 4 but of 5 for a small car is very good, I wonder how that little Smart car would handle this test !!!