|
I doubt it serioously, because if the passenger safety cell was cracked or damaged in such a way at such a low impact, the car would not get a good safety rating. The New Beetle is the highest rated small car in safety by both NHTSA and IIHS...5 cars for driver and passenger in frontal impact at 45MPH, as well as rollover and side impact and frontal offset barrier tests.
I have seen a New Beetle crashed in a frontal impact that looked a good bit above 25MPH, and the front was seriously crushed all the way to the windshield...beyond that, no further damage visible. The airbags had both deployed, the driver's door was open, and the driver was standing at the roadside and looked to be dazed but OK. It appeared he had t-boned a Lincoln LS...not sure whose fault it was. The road he was travelling on had light traffic and a speed limit of 45MPH. The Lincoln driver looked OK...his passenger side had been struck and the LS had significant frame damage and front right suspension damage based on the angle of the front wheel.
I'd certainly feel safe driving a New Beetle based on the crash results and safety ratings I have seen!
|
