07 Yamaha Yfm 400 Big Bear Irs Parking Brake Perch 1yw-82911-02-00 2003-2012 on 2040-parts.com

Minicars perform poorly in crash tests, study says

Minicars made by Toyota, Honda and Daimler AG did poorly on frontal crash tests with mid-sized automobiles, prompting an influential safety organization to suggest consumers consider buying larger cars that have comparable fuel economy. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Smart ForTwo all collapsed upon impact into the space around the driver dummy, according to the study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Drivers in all three vehicles faced high risk of head and leg injuries after test collisions at 40 miles an hour, even after airbags inflated, said the non-profit group funded by auto insurers.

Concept Car of the Week: Citroën Zabrus (1986)

Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the quirky BX proved to be a big success for Citroën. Eager to improve its brand image and to boost its already healthy sales figures, the brand put the popular BX on steroids and entered the World Rally Championship. Unfortunately the beefed-up BX 4TC didn't shine on the rally stage and despite a powerful engine, the road-going version didn't sell well either.

Toyota at the Paris motor show 2008

By Gavin Green Motor Shows 02 October 2008 19:16 Toyota showed the latest, third-generation Avensis, a car that typically whips up as much excitement from car enthusiasts as the Eurovision Song Contest does with music aficionados. The Avensis is one of those cars that typically provides loyal service to company car reps before naturally seeing out as its days as a minicab, pine scent dangling from rear-view mirror. The new one though is a much tidier effort in its styling, and the Tourer (estate) version is bordering on the svelte.