Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
They both deliver smooth, all-electric power. They both plug into the wall to recharge their... Read More
- #4LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2898ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 1950COMMENTS POSTED
SAFETY | 8 out of 10
The 2012 Fisker Karma hasn't yet been rated by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The company said it crash-tested about three dozen cars during the process of certifying it for sale in North America and Europe, and the Karma comes with eight airbags for the four passengers: dual-stage front bags, seat-side and knee bags in front, and side-curtain bags covering the front and rear window opening.
The Karma also contains the usual collection of electronic safety systems. Those include traction control, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, a panic-braking assist function, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Any crash event also automatically shuts down the Karma's entire high-voltage system, as well as unlocking the doors and turning on interior lights.
Despite its low, sleek lines, the Fisker Karma has better outward visibility than we anticipated. The windshield pillars are relatively slim, the door mirrors are well located, and the curving haunches over the wheels make the front end easy to position. The view in the rear-view mirror though the rear window is a bit of a tunnel, but overall, the Karma has better visibility than many less sexy sport sedans.
Conclusion
While the 2012 Fisker Karma hasn't been rated for crash safety by either the NHTSA or IIHS, it carries the usual complement of safety gear--and has good outward visibility.
![2013 Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe [UK specification]](http://static.hgmsites.net/images/cache/2013-honda-cr-z-hybrid-coupe-uk-specification_100419291_120x80.jpg "2013 Honda CR-Z, Insight, Civic Hybrid: Ultimate Guide")
