Why New Cars Still Fail This Crucial Safety Test

The Moose Test: A Challenging Maneuver

All cars undergo rigorous testing before being deemed safe for the road, but there is one particular test that continues to challenge even the latest models - the moose test. Developed by the Swedish motoring magazine, Technical, this test simulates the sudden appearance of an obstacle, such as a moose or a pedestrian, on the road, requiring the driver to swerve around it without braking.

The test involves driving at high speeds, typically around 40 miles per hour, and quickly weaving through a set of cones. This measure of a car's cornering ability and resistance to rolling over is so demanding that the vast majority of vehicles fail, even at lower speeds.

The Reasons for Failure

There are several factors that contribute to cars' inability to pass the moose test successfully. One of the primary reasons is the design of modern vehicles, which often prioritize passenger space and fuel efficiency over stability and handling.

Center of Gravity and Wheelbase

The height of a car's center of gravity plays a crucial role in its performance during the moose test. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as the 1997 Mercedes A-class, are more prone to rolling over when subjected to the sudden, aggressive maneuvers required by the test. Additionally, cars with a shorter wheelbase tend to be less stable and more susceptible to losing control.

Emission Standards and Lightweight Materials

Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to meet stringent emission standards, which often leads them to use lighter-weight materials in their vehicle designs. While this approach may improve fuel efficiency, it can compromise the car's ability to remain grounded during the moose test's demanding cornering and swerving.

Prioritizing Other Safety Measures

For many car manufacturers, the moose test is not a primary concern when it comes to safety. Instead, they focus on other measures, such as frontal impact tests and electronic stability control, which are more commonly used to assess a vehicle's safety. As a result, the moose test is often overlooked, and cars are not optimized to pass it.

Successes and Failures

While most cars struggle to navigate the moose test, a few models have managed to excel in this challenging maneuver. The Tesla Model X, for example, with its centrally located battery pack, has demonstrated the ability to complete the test at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

On the other hand, even high-performance vehicles, such as the BMW M Competition and the Mercedes-AMG A45, have been known to fail the moose test. The sudden load placed on the rear end during the maneuver can cause the vehicles to rotate and spin out of control, despite their advanced handling capabilities.

The Citroen Xantia Activa V6: A Standout Performer

The undisputed champion of the moose test is the Citroen Xantia Activa V6, a family sedan from 1999. This car's secret weapon was its computer-controlled active suspension system, which could adapt to the demands of the test in real-time, allowing it to achieve a record-breaking speed of 53 miles per hour.

The Xantia Activa V6's active suspension system could instantly adjust the ride height and firmness of the shocks, effectively managing the weight transfer and keeping the car firmly planted to the ground during the aggressive maneuvers. This level of performance has yet to be matched by any other production vehicle, showcasing the potential of advanced suspension technology to excel in the moose test.

Conclusion

The moose test remains a significant challenge for the automotive industry, with most new cars failing to navigate the demanding maneuver. While manufacturers continue to focus on other safety measures, the moose test serves as a reminder that there is still room for improvement in the design and engineering of vehicles to ensure their stability and handling in extreme situations.

As technology advances, it is possible that future vehicles will be better equipped to handle the moose test, but for now, the majority of cars on the road today are still vulnerable to this challenging safety assessment. Drivers should be aware of the limitations of their vehicles and exercise caution when faced with sudden obstacles or the need for evasive maneuvers.