Six small cars, including two hybrids, have received the Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cars that get the designation are the 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Honda Civic, 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Lexus CT 200h hybrid, 2011 Nissan Juke and 2011 Toyota Prius.

To earn the award, a vehicle must receive the top rating of Good in front, side, rear and roof-strength crash tests. The vehicle also must have electronic stability control.

The Civic, CT 200h, Elantra, Focus, and Prius have at least one trim with an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of at least 40 mpg highway.

The institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluation is based on results of a 40-mph frontal-offset crash test. The side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup truck or SUV.

Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph.

To pass IIHS’ roof-strength test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times the vehicle’s weight.
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Chrysler has finished repaying $6 billion to the U.S. government, ending nearly two years of federal involvement with the automaker.
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The EPA has revealed all-new fuel economy labels designed to help car and truck buyers determine new vehicle efficiency and operating costs in a world of burgeoning propulsion choices.
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The Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid electric pickup trucks that have been delivered to Yuma, Ariz. for testing in the region’s extreme summer climate will also be used to put the heat on criminals.
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Now that its government loans are repaid, Chrysler Group LLC hopes consumers will measure it — and make it solidly profitable — by buying its cars and trucks.
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says six of 13 small cars recently tested won its “Top Safety Pick” award — and none earned a “poor” rating in any of four tests.
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Volkswagen AG’s all new Passat sedan for the American market will start at $19,995, about $7,000 less than the price of the outgoing, European-built Passat, Volkswagen said. But top end versions of the car, equipped with clean diesel engines and leather seats, will cost considerably more, with some versions starting at more than $30,000.
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The new CC shares it’s, platform, dashboard design, and engines with the previous generation Passat, which helps to set itself apart from your average midsize sedan on the market this year. Performance is great and the sleek styling design makes it nice to look at also. The only drawbacks for some may be the limited space in the back seats and that it only has seating for four passengers.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is available in six trim levels. Below is a breakdown of equipment and specifications.

2.0T Sport- Comes standard with cruise control, 17 inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, automatic climate control, premium vinyl “leatherette” interior, heated eight way power seats with lumbar support, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, eight speaker sound system with touch screen interface, iPod interface, HD radio, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio jack. The 2012 2.0T Sport only comes in front wheel drive and is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque. A six speed manual transmission is standard equipment, while a six speed dual clutch automated manual is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic transmission. The manual drops the city mpg number to 21. Consult manufacturer’s auto brochure for exact fuel ratings. Standard Safety equipment includes stability control, traction control, ABS brakes with brake assist, hill hold assist, front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2012 VW CC its top rating of “Good” for side impacts, and frontal offset crash tests.

R Line- Adds a special front bumper, fog lamps, 18 inch wheels, dark taillights, and a side-sill design. All other engine, transmission and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux- Adds different 18 inch wheels, brushed aluminum interior trim, dual zone automatic climate control, heated washer nozzles, fog lamps, and a navigation system while deleting the HD Radio. The six speed dual clutch automated manual transmission is standard. All engine and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux Plus-Adds a rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, HD Radio, mood lighting, digital music storage, wood trim, and an upgraded navigation system. The six speed dual clutch automated manual transmission is standard. All other engine and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux Limited- Adds adaptive xenon headlights, and different 18 inch wheels. All other engine, transmission, and standard safety equipment remain the same.

VR6 4Motion- Adds to the Lux Limited package a 3.6 liter V6 that delivers 280 horsepower and 265 pound feet of torque. A conventional six speed automatic transmission is standard. Also added are AWD, parking sensors, power rear sunshade, headlamp washers, driver memory functions, 10 speaker Dynaudio stereo, steering wheel shifter paddles, and leather interior. All other standard safety equipment remains the same.

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Honda is recalling 1,156 Civic two- and four-door vehicles from the 2012 model year because a fuel leak may occur, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles, an O-ring that seals a connection in the fuel feed line may be misaligned. This could cause fuel to leak and may cause a fire if an ignition source is present. The vehicles in the recall were built between April 21 and May 2. You can check the car’s build date on a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb. The recall is expected to begin on or before May 27. Dealers will replace the fuel feed line assembly for free. Owners can call Honda at 800-999-1009 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236. Recall Alert: 2010-11 Volvo XC90 Volvo is recalling about 350 V-8-equipped XC90 crossovers from the 2010 and 2011 model years because the vehicles could experience a sudden loss of power steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the affected vehicles, the power-steering fluid may leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing. This could cause a loss of power steering and increase the risk of a crash. The vehicles in the recall were built were built between Jan. 29 and Aug. 16, 2010. You can check the build date on a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb. The recall is expected to begin on or before May 31. Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power-steering rack at no charge. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.
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