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Rusty cars flunk crash tests – video

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 scores four stars, first-gen Mazda 6 gets three


New tests conducted by Thatcham Research have highlighted the dangers of driving vehicles corroded by rust.

A fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf and a first-generation Mazda 6 were subjected to safety testing in line with the current Euro NCAP criteria, on behalf of Swedish insurance organisation, Folksam.

The results demonstrate how chassis rust can impact a vehicle's crash performance, which is a significant risk for drivers of older cars.

Disappointing was the Mazda, which on test was "severely covered by rust", and had a score equivalent to a three-star rating – down from its original four.

Meanwhile, the Golf fell from five stars to four, though the organisation noted the test results weren't significant enough to place occupants under great danger.

According to Folksam, passengers in the Mazda are 20 per cent more likely to be killed in an accident based on those test scores.

Watch the video above to watch the tests take place – be warned, the results are graphic.

Click the photos tab for more images

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