March 24, 2009
Roof strength is focus of new rating system; 4 of 12 small SUVs evaluated earn top marks
2008 Kia Sportage demonstration test
The Sportage had the weakest roof of the 12 rated small SUVs. Under pressure, its roof crushed to 2 inches with half the force it took to crush the Tiguan's roof the same distance. The Sportage's roof crushed all the way down past the driver's head restraint before it was able to withstand the same force as the Tiguan.
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2/27/09 |
2/27/09 |
2/27/09 |
2/27/09 |
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan demonstration test
The Tiguan has the strongest roof of the 12 small SUVs the Institute rated. Its roof crushed less than 2 inches while withstanding a force of 15,000 pounds. That's 4 times the Tiguan's weight.
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3/2/09 |
3/2/09 |
3/2/09 |
3/2/09 |
All tested small SUVs
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1/22/09 |
1/22/09 |
Crushing device
In the Institute's roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush.
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2/14/08 |
