For 2010, the rollover test consist of measuring the strength of the roof of any given car by pushing a metal plate against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to determine the strength to weight ratio.
According to IIHS, to pass the test vehicles must prove they can withstand a force equal to at least 4 times the vehicle's weight, much more than the current federal standard of 1.5 times the vehicle's weight.
The 2010 Lancer was found by the IIHS to have enough safety features to allow it to earn a good rating in front, side, rollover, and rear tests. The model comes equipped with standard electronic stability control, a must for a good rating.
According to Mitsubishi spokesman Maurice Durand talking to The Car Connection, the Mitsubishi Lancer tested by the IIHS is structurally the same as the Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart, so the Top Safety Pick awarded by the IIHS will apply to them as well.
autoevolution took a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart for a test drive a few weeks back. You can find all the details of the car, the feelings we were left with after testing it, as well as a comprehensive photo gallery by following this link.
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