The Ford Fiesta has long been recognized as a fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive subcompact car. For those considering a used vehicle, the 2019 Ford Fiesta remains a popular option. However, safety is paramount when choosing any car. This analysis delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small overlap frontal crash test results for the Ford Fiesta, specifically relevant to models within the 2014-2019 generation built after August 2013, which includes the 2019 model year. Understanding these results is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle safety.
The IIHS small overlap frontal test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with a narrow object like a tree or utility pole. This test is particularly challenging for vehicles because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car’s front end. The Ford Fiesta models from 2014 onwards, specifically those manufactured after August 2013, had a reprogrammed autolock feature. While this feature itself isn’t directly related to crash safety, the models tested and rated by IIHS, including the 2014 Ford Fiesta S 4-door used in the evaluation, fall within this production timeframe and are indicative of the 2019 model’s structural design.
Decoding the Safety Ratings
The IIHS uses a rating system of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor (G, A, M, P) to evaluate vehicle performance in crash tests. In the small overlap frontal test, the 2019 Ford Fiesta, mirroring the results of the 2014 model tested, received an overall Marginal rating. Let’s break down the key evaluation criteria:
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Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the vehicle is vital in a crash. The Fiesta’s structure and safety cage were rated as Marginal. This indicates that during the test, the structure didn’t hold up optimally, leading to potential compromise of the occupant space.
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Driver Injury Measures: This assesses the risk of injury to different body regions of the driver. The ratings were mixed:
- Head/Neck: Rated Acceptable, suggesting adequate protection for the head and neck.
- Chest: Rated Good, indicating good protection for the chest area.
- Hip/Thigh: Rated Good, also showing good protection for the hip and thigh.
- Lower Leg/Foot: Rated Acceptable, suggesting a moderate risk of injury to the lower leg and foot.
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Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: This crucial aspect evaluates how well the seat belts and airbags control the occupant’s movement during the crash. The 2019 Ford Fiesta received a Poor rating in this category. The IIHS noted that the dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag and then slid off, as the steering column moved significantly. Excessive forward movement of the dummy’s head and torso, along with the driver’s seat tipping forward, contributed to head impact with the instrument panel. The side curtain airbag, while deployed, lacked sufficient forward coverage.
Action shot from the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test demonstrating vehicle deformation, relevant to understanding 2019 Ford Fiesta safety.
Insights from the Crash Test Dummy and Measurements
The post-crash analysis of the dummy and vehicle measurements provides further insights into the “Marginal” overall rating. The dummy’s position relative to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel, as shown in the images, indicated that the driver’s survival space was not well maintained. This is a critical factor in occupant safety during a severe frontal crash.
Image showing the crash test dummy position relative to vehicle components after the small overlap frontal crash, highlighting potential survival space issues in a 2019 Ford Fiesta.
Specifically, during the crash sequence, the dummy’s head and torso interaction with the airbag was suboptimal. The head slid off the airbag as the steering column displacement was measured at 12 cm to the right. The seat belt’s performance allowed excessive forward movement, and the driver’s seat exhibited undesirable movement, pitching forward and tipping outward. This sequence of events led to the dummy’s head striking the instrument panel, increasing the risk of injury.
Close-up view of airbag deployment and dummy movement during the crash test, illustrating head contact issues in the 2019 Ford Fiesta.
Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side revealed significant deformation. For instance, the lower hinge pillar experienced a maximum intrusion of 18 cm, and the upper hinge pillar reached 19 cm. Instrument panel intrusion was also considerable, with the upper dash intruding by 17 cm and the lower instrument panel by 15 cm. These intrusions, particularly in the door hinge pillar and instrument panel areas, contributed to a moderate risk of injury to the left lower leg, as indicated by the injury measures.
Image showing the extent of door hinge pillar and instrument panel intrusion, contributing to lower leg injury risks in the 2019 Ford Fiesta during the small overlap test.
Technical Data Snapshot
For a more detailed understanding, the technical measurements from the test are crucial. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was measured at 509, and peak G-force at hard contact was 77. Neck tension reached 1.7 kN, and the maximum Nij (neck injury criterion) was 0.56. Chest compression was 21 mm. Lower leg injury indicators included a maximum tibia index of 0.86 for the left leg and 0.57 for the right, with tibia axial forces of 5.7 kN and 3.4 kN respectively.
Conclusion: Safety Considerations for the 2019 Ford Fiesta
The IIHS small overlap frontal crash test results for the Ford Fiesta, applicable to the 2019 model year, highlight areas of vulnerability in this specific type of collision. While the chest and hip/thigh areas showed good protection, the “Marginal” structural rating and “Poor” rating for driver restraints are important considerations. Prospective buyers of a 2019 Ford Fiesta should be aware of these findings and consider them in the context of overall vehicle safety. It is always recommended to review safety ratings from multiple sources and consider the types of driving conditions and potential collisions most relevant to individual needs. Understanding these safety aspects contributes to making informed decisions when choosing a used vehicle like the 2019 Ford Fiesta.
