Ford Focus, Volvo C30 score best in crash test

Ford Motor Co.'s Focus and Volvo C30 scored best for protecting drivers in crash tests of two-door models, an insurer-funded group found.

The cars won top ratings in front, side and rear collisions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said in a study released today. Other models tested included General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Cobalt, the Civic from Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.'s Scion tC.

The group sought to evaluate whether safety improvements in four-door cars are extending to two-door vehicles. Four of the models earned "good" marks in front-impact tests, and none rated poor in any category, suggesting protection is improving for all types of cars, the group said.

"The results for two-door cars are good news," David Zuby, senior vice president at the Arlington, Virginia-based institute, said in a statement. "Choosing a vehicle that provides top-notch crash protection is easier than ever."

Cars were evaluated in simulated front, rear and side accidents, with results ranked as good, acceptable, marginal or poor. The Scion scored lowest, with "acceptable" ratings for front and side impacts and a "marginal" rating for rear-crash protection.

Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, plans to sell the Volvo unit.