OREANDA-NEWS. March 21, 2012. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that the 2012 Outlander Sport*1 was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the United States' Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)*2 non-profit vehicle research and crash test ratings agency. The Outlander Sport joins the 2012 Lancer compact sport sedan in the elite company of production cars to achieve the IIHS's highest marks for vehicle crash testing.
*1: RVR or ASX in some markets
*2: For more information, please visit http://iihs.org
 
In order for a production vehicle to be named a "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS, an automobile must earn a "good" rating in all of the organization's crash test analysis. The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received a "good" test score in the following key areas of evaluation:
1. Offset front impact crash testing
2. Side impact crash testing
3. Roof strength test results
4. Rear crash protection/head restraint ratings
 
Contributing to the Outlander Sport's rating is the versatile use of high-tensile steel sheets that deliver both reducing weight and increased crash safety. In addition, safety has been increased through optimizing the body structure and driver's side knee airbags.
 
This is not the first time MMC's compact crossover has been recognized for its outstanding safety. The ASX, the cousin of the Outlander Sport received a five-star crash safety rating (the highest rating possible) from the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) in 2011; and in 2010 received a five-star crash safety rating (the highest rating possible) from ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme).