The Nissan Leaf was named a Top Safety Pick after its crash test. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
Small cars make big strides in safety tests
Small cars are getting safer as more models than ever have earned the top safety rating from the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said last week that 6 of the 13 small cars it most recently tested are top safety picks. When those cars are combined with others previously tested, a total of 22 earned the institute's top score. That's a big change from the 2006 model year, when just three small cars earned the top safety rating, even though that rating was less stringent than it is now. The 22 cars on the list:
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus (2012 models)
Honda Civic (2012 4-door models)
Honda Civic (2011 4-door models (except Si)
with optional ESC)
Hyundai Elantra sedan (built after March 2011)
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Lexus CT 200h
Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback (built after December 2010)
Mini Cooper Countryman
Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Nissan Leaf
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon (except WRX)
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius (built after December 2010)
Volkswagen Golf (4-door models)
Volkswagen GTI (4-door models)
--The Associated Press and NWautos staff
(The Associated Press)
Fuel economy labels get major overhaul
Federal regulators have unveiled new fuel economy labels for passenger vehicles, moving beyond the standard mpg figures for city and highway driving. The new decals add information such as the amount of fuel or electricity the vehicle will need to go 100 miles, as well as the expected savings or cost of fuel over the next five years compared with the average new vehicle. Drivers will also be able to see how vehicles stack up against others in smog and tailpipe emissions on a one-to-10 scale. The labels will begin with vehicles from model year 2013.
--The Associated Press
New York City officials have asked Nissan to make a more gentle honk for the NV200 taxi. (Nissan)
New NYC taxis to get more pleasant honk
The Bloomberg administration has vanquished indoor smoking and trans fats. Its latest goal? A kinder, gentler taxi horn. The city recently announced that its Taxi of Tomorrow, the Nissan NV200 van, will be equipped with the latest in antihonk technology: a so-called low-annoyance horn to reduce screechiness. It will come complete with an exterior light that turns on whenever a driver toots, so the police can better spot violators of oft-ignored honking laws. Nissan plans to hold focus groups with drivers, taxi owners and passengers to determine the most pleasing honk.
--New York Times News Service
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