2014 Lexus IS Wins Five-Star Safety Rating
When most people think of a luxury and performance vehicle design, handling, speed, and performance come to mind. But just how much emphasis do luxury car enthusiasts place on safety?
Even sports vehicle lovers realize that because not every car is tested for safety by independent or federal organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it may be more difficult to obtain a comprehensive safety rating that includes rollover resistance and frontal and side crash worthiness.
For two consecutive years, the Lexus IS has earned a four-star NHTSA rating or higher.
In 2013, the IS achieved a four-star overall rating, while the newly redesigned 2014 IS won a five-star overall NHTSA award, consisting of a four-star rating in front crash tests and five-stars for its performance during side-impact and rollover tests for RWD and AWD models.
The 2014 IS was awarded this distinction because of enhancements made to overall body rigidity and increased stability control. Stronger driver side-impact results won the IS a five-star rating.
Established in 1978, the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program came up with a rating system to empower customers in making informed choices about the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles. The program also assesses a level of increased safety for frontal and side crashes beyond what is required by law, promoting vehicle manufacturing safety improvements in the process.
Lexus recognizes the importance of each of the features installed in its vehicles and is committed to the safety of its drivers. Mechanical safety systems that include anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control come standard in all Lexus cars sold in the U.S., year 2012 or newer.
In 2010, The NHTSA upped its Safety Ratings Program to not only continually search for new ways to advance vehicle safety, but to also provide more complete information about vehicles to consumers.
Changes to the program consist of side pole testing, a wider range of test dummy sizes, additional crash test data, a single Overall Vehicle Score per vehicle, and highlighted crash avoidance technologies.
While many sports cars are designed with key safety features like anti-lock brakes and stability control, the purpose of organizations like the NHTSA have been established to ensure that these features are not only in place, but also help prevent collisions and keep occupants safe.
Lexus wanted to make sure the IS was well equipped to meet the government’s rigid safety standards. The newest model includes a number of new standard safety features like a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert system, an automatic high-beam headlamp system, 10 supplemental airbags, as well as lane departure and tire pressure warning systems.
In the market for additional safety technology? The pre-emptive Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an optional feature with the 2014 IS. This system instinctively activates brake assistance, helping mitigate high-speed collisions.
Whether you’re a sports car aficionado or simply in the market to purchase a luxury performance vehicle, Lexus of Highland Park provides the highest level of customer reassurance when it comes to vehicle safety. Stop over to our dealership this weekend and check out our full lineup of luxury vehicles.
Source: The Car Connection
