Small Cars, Big Trouble? Micro-Cars Under Fire After Deadly Crash Tests
- by Christian Hensen
- 2 Min
Fatal Outcome: Description of an Event Resulting in Death - "Potentially Hazardous": Specialists Urge Caution With Moped Usage
Think a small, affordable car that costs less than 10,000 euros and requires minimal taxes? It seems too good to be true, but micro-cars like the Opel Rocks-e, the identical Citroën Ami, and vehicles like the Aixam Access offer just that, making them attractive for inexperienced drivers. But a recent series of crash tests conducted by Dekra, an independent vehicle inspection and testing organization, paints a much darker picture.
City Crashes Turn Deadly for Micro-Cars
You might think these pocket-sized vehicles are safe for slow-paced urban environments, but Auto Motor Sport reveals that micro-cars like the Ami and Rocks-e are nothing more than "deadly" deathtraps. To demonstrate the dangerous consequences of collisions in city conditions, Dekra simulated a head-on crash between two micro-cars and a "deformable offset barrier" (similar to a car) traveling at 45 km/h.
The results were alarming. "Auto Motor Sport" reports that the testers measured loads on the dummies that, if human passengers were present, would likely result in "death." In other words, if you were driving a micro-car during an accident like this, your chances of survival would be slim to none.
Micro-Cars Can't Save Your Neck
What makes these tiny vehicles so perilous? Simply put, they lack the essential safety features you'd find in a standard car. Most micro-cars, like the Aixam Access (the most frequently sold vehicle of its kind), have minimal structural protection and little absorption of crash energy. The Aixam Access test demonstrated this when the passenger compartment did not deform significantly, but the driver experienced forces so intense that the airbag-less steering wheel hit the dummy's head with tremendous force.
The Citroën Ami doesn't fare any better. Although external damage may appear minimal, the rigid structure of the vehicle cannot dampen kinetic energy like the crumple zone in a regular car does. This means the driver and passenger would endure extreme forces in the event of an impact.
The manufacturers have been presented with the findings, but their responses have been less than reassuring. While Opel's parent company, Stellantis, emphasizes the advantages of micro-cars over others in the same class, Aixam openly admits that light four-wheeled vehicles of the L6e type cannot compete with conventional cars due to their design and the limitations that come with it, such as the infeasibility of implementing many modern safety technologies.
City Slickers, be Cautious
In conclusion, micro-cars, while appealing for their low price and convenience, can be dangerous in accidents, especially when compared to traditional cars. They may be suitable for slow-paced city driving, but if your primary driving environment includes high-speed traffic, multi-vehicle situations, or longer distances, it's best to stick with cars that prioritize safety. Beware of the trade-offs and do your homework to ensure the micro-car you choose meets your mobility needs without compromising your safety.
- The disturbing crash test results indicate that micro-cars, such as the Opel Rocks-e and Citroën Ami, may pose serious risks due to their lacking essential safety features, posing a potential danger to drivers and passengers.
- As a result of the minimal structural protection and absorption of crash energy in micro-cars, such as the Aixam Access, the passenger compartment may not deform significantly in an accident, resulting in severe impacts for drivers and passengers.
- According to Auto Motor Sport, the manufacturers' responses have been inadequate, with Stellantis highlighting the advantages of micro-cars but failing to address the safety concerns, and Aixam acknowledging the inherent limitations of light four-wheeled vehicles in competing with conventional cars in terms of safety.
- To ensure compatibility between low-cost mobility and driver safety, it is advisable for city slickers to do due diligence and carefully consider the trade-offs when choosing a micro-car, opting for vehicles that prioritize safety, particularly in situations involving high-speed traffic, multi-vehicle situations, or longer distances.
