Insurance Institute Names 4 Car Models Top Safety Picks

The Dodge Dart, the model Chrysler is betting on becoming a top-selling small car, was among four new vehicles on the U.S. market to receive a top crash-test rating by an influential safety group on Wednesday. The 2013 Dart, the first model jointly engineered and designed by Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC, was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Three other 2013 models, each one redesigned from previous model years, also earned the top rating: the Hyundai Motor Co. crossover Santa Fe, the Lexus ES 350 midsize luxury sedan, and the Subaru XV Crosstrek hatchback. The rating means that each vehicle performed well in test crashes evaluating front, side and rear impacts as well as rollovers.