U.S. NHTSA crash tests - a concern?

The smart fortwo was recently crash tested by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received five out of five stars for its ability to protect occupants during side crashes. It won four stars for sheltering drivers and three stars for passengers during head-on crashes. The NHTSA did note a “concern” that the driver’s door unlatched and opened during a side-impact crash test. It goes on to state “a door opening during a side impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection”.

Press reaction from these results is mixed. One headline reads “smart fortwo receives high marks marks in US crash tests”, another says “smart gets so-so U.S. safety ratings” while another states “smart fortwo scores poorly on NHTSA front crash test” - talk about spin and a range of opinions!