The new-look 2015 Chrysler 200 this week received the highest possible honors from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, giving the new midsize sedan the Top Safety Pick+ award.
Vehicles should score “Good” in at least four out of five tests and at least “Average” in IIHS’ new small overlap test, in order to receive the agency’s Top Safety Pick+ honors. As it turns out, the 2015 Chrysler 200 scored “Good” in all five tests, namely front moderate overlap, side, roof strength, head restraints/seats, and small overlap tests. The new Chrysler 200 was quite impressive in the small overlap test, as the IIHS observed that driver space was properly controlled.
Likewise, the crash test dummy had well-controlled movements when the 2015 Chrysler 200 was subjected to a 40 mph collision against a solid barrier, with the dummy’s measurements suggesting a low injury risk for actual drivers. The previous 2014 Chrysler 200 only scored Acceptable in the small overlap test, due to the dummy’s head hardly making any contact with the front airbag, then sliding to the left. As the side curtain airbag was also released too late when the 2014 model was tested, that left drivers with a strong chance of head injuries in real-life situations.
Safety features recently introduced on the 2015 Chrysler 200, including forward collision warning and a high-speed/low-speed auto-brake mechanism, were attributed to the car’s improved performance and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Other standard safety mechanisms include a rollover sensor, side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The low-speed brake feature was instrumental in helping the new 200 avoid collision in the 12-mph test, while the high-speed auto-brake helped reduce impact speed by 14 mph in the 25 mph test.