Crash Test: Honda Insight Hybrid 2009

Honda Insight 1.3 SE 2009 EuroNCAP Crash Test
Frontal impact

Driver

Side

Pole

CRS

Whiplash




Honda Insight Hybrid 2009 test results

Comments

Adult occupant
The passenger cell remained stable in the impact. The protection offered to adult occupants was rated as good for all body areas except the lower legs, where protection was rated as adequate. The dummies indicated little risk of injury to the knees, femurs and pelvis and Honda were able to demonstrate that the dashboard would provide similar levels of protection to occupants of different stature and to those sat in different seating positions. Protection of the chest was adequate in the side barrier impact but rib deflections indicated weak protection in the more severe side pole test. Protection against whiplash injuries in rear impacts was good.

Child occupant
Forward movement of the 3 year dummy's head, sat in a forward facing restraint, was not excessive in the frontal impact. In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the side of the restraint. No excessive forces or accelerations were measured by the dummies in the tests. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag was not sufficiently clear. The potential dangers of using a rearward facing restraint in that seat without first disabling the airbag are clearly explained in a label which is permanently attached to the sun visor.

Pedestrian
The Insight scored very highly for pedestrian protection. The front edge of the bonnet provided good protection to pedestrians' legs and scored maximum points. The bumper also scored maximum points. However, tests done outside of Euro NCAP's normal test area revealed structures which gave poor protection. Euro NCAP will soon broaden its test areas so that, in the future, such poor areas are included in a vehicle's score. The bonnet also offered good protection in most areas likely to be struck by a child's head.

Safety assist
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard in all left-hand drive countries. In some right-hand drive countries, ESC is currently optional on the base model but Honda hope soon to make it standard on all variants throughout the EU. The car has a seatbelt reminder system for both front and rear seats.

Photos, Comments: EuroNCAP