Smaller cars that get high gas mileage are getting safer -- a lot safer.  None of the 13 small cars recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was rated poor in any of the four key crash tests. Six of them were given the coveted Top Safety Pick rating in their size class.  "The list of cars with the best fuel economy now includes those with the highest crash test ratings in their class, too," says David Zuby, the Institute's chief research officer.  Still, Zuby points out that small, lightweight cars "don't protect their occupants as well as bigger, heavier ones. Even though fuel prices sometimes defy gravity, the laws of physics always are in effect for cars. That's why it's important that the crashworthiness designs of smaller cars be as good as possible. The new ratings demonstrate that small cars are much safer than they used to be."  IIHS crash ratings for all small cars tested to date here.  IIHS crash ratings for all vehicles tested to date here.  The ratings are based on performance in front, side, rollover and rear-impact evaluations. Cars that earn the top rating of good in each test and come with electronic stability control qualify for Top Safety Pick.  Those with the top rating in the latest round of testing:  The Dodge Caliber, Honda CR-Z and Insight hybrids, Nissan Sentra and Versa, Scion xD and Suzuki SX4 also were tested in this round but didn't come in as top safety picks.  In 2006, when the IIHS began awarding Top Safety Pick, only three small cars earned the designation (Honda Civic, Saab 9-2X and Subaru Impreza) and the tests weren't as tough. Now 22 small models have the rating, under tests that now include the roof test, the ESC requirement and a harder rear-impact test.  To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor  . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to  . Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to
Six small cars with high gas mileage rated Top Safety Picks - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com