Insurance institute finds Audi A4, Toyota Corolla get highest marks on low-speed crash tests

Tuesday, December 3rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The bumper on the 2002 Suzuki Aerio performed poorly in low-speed crash tests performed by the insurance industry, sustaining an average of $1,131 in damage when struck at 5 miles per hour.

The 2002 Audi A4 and the 2003 Toyota Corolla got the institute's highest ``good'' rating with less than $300 in damage on average, according to results released Tuesday. The 2003 Honda Accord earned an acceptable rating with a $339 average, while the 2002 Mini Cooper by BMW got a marginal rating for averaging $800.

The tests by the Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are designed to imitate the impacts that often occur in commuter traffic and parking lots.

The ratings are based on how much damage is done to the bumper and other parts of the vehicle in crash tests conducted at four different angles.

Suzuki got the lowest rating because the bumper cover split in three of the tests, which would result in a replacement cost of more than $500. Labor costs and other damage could add to that tab. Adrian Lund, the institute's chief operating officer, said the Aerio's bumpers are not designed to prevent damage in minor impacts and are ``just expensive decorative trim.''

American Suzuki Motor Corp. said Aerio's bumper was designed for customers who like distinctive styling that appears custom made. The automaker noted that the institute's tests measure only the cost of repairs, not any aspect of the vehicle's safety.

``Suzuki has designed its Aerio and Aerio SX to perform well and provide high levels of occupant protection in high-impact frontal crash situations _ the kind of incidents that are a real concern for passenger safety,'' the company said in a statement.

BMW of North America said overall the Mini is not expensive to own because it has low running costs, free maintenance and high resale value. BMW said the Mini also can maneuver in tight spaces and may be able to avoid more parking lot accidents than larger cars.