All hail the Accent, the poorest performer in the group. Tested with standard side airbags, curtain bags for head protection and torso bags for front passengers, the Hyundai/Kia team pretty much washed out, with an Acceptable rating for front tests, a Poor rating for side impact and Poor for performance during rear crash testing. Given the Korean automakers’ new emphasis on safety, this is a surprising result. Fact is, the Accent/Rio suffered significant structural damage, just as the Chevrolet Aveo had, compromising what its airbags accomplished and leaving passengers vulnerable to significant lower forces which the IIHS says may lead to broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and internal injuries.

Photos courtesy of Ron Perry, the automakers