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.

Peugeot 308 R Concept stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

Peugeot’s hot new 308 R Concept hatchback has the new mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI square in its sights here at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The regular 308 hatch is also making its debut, showing quality Peugeot hope will rival the likes of Volkswagen and Audi, but with the rather racy looking 308 R, the French firm is after the performance crown, too. Please click the picture above to read more about the at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show    

Ford tests electric-vehicle sounds on Facebook

Sure, if it were up to us, every car would sound like a Lamborghini Aventador or a McLaren Formula One race car. And while those specific options aren't available (yet),Ford is using its Facebook page to let fans vote on sounds to be made by the electric Focus. Since EVs are so quiet, Ford needs to give the Focus electric some sound for safety's sake--to draw the attention of people who are blind people, those using cell phones or iPods and even for animals.