RESIST RACY SEDUCTION, INSURERS SAY.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

Souped-up versions of the Ford Focus and Toyota Scion may entice Generation Y car buyers at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, but the cost of insurance is enough to curb that enthusiasm.

With the number of teen drivers on the road increasing from about 2.4 million now to 3 million by 2007, safety features should be more important than flashy rims when shopping around for insurance, according to the Insurance Information Network of California.

``Premiums are based in part on the performance of a vehicle, and that includes safety features,'' said Peter Moraga, spokesman for the nonprofit insurance group. ``It's often true that the safer the car you drive, the better the insurance rate.''

Indeed, there are other factors influencing the cost of insurance. Simply having seat belts and air bags isn't always sufficient. Moraga said effective bumpers and head restraints not only can determine the punch of a premium, but also can have some serious safety implications for drivers.

Many of the new cars on the market are attempts to convey a punk-rock attitude with functionalism. That's fine, Moraga said, but don't be fooled by a sleek paint job, shiny wheels and a throaty exhaust pipe.

``More and more cars, new and old, have after-market parts,'' Moraga said. ``And while those parts may improve your vehicle's performance, they can also jeopardize your safety.''

From fiberglass hoods to DVD players in the steering wheel, after-market parts are becoming popular for the driver and for major manufacturers' car-parts divisions.

Mazdaspeed is one such after-market car-parts manufacturer. The Mazdaspeed Protege comes complete with a Callaway Turbo Engine and suspension tuned by Racing Beat. ``Though these cars offer a lot of speed for less money, that doesn't necessarily mean they're safe,'' Moraga said.

For teen drivers, the leading cause of crashes is speed, according to the California Highway Patrol. Teen drivers account for about 4 percent of the driving population in California, but are involved in 8.8 percent of all fatal collisions and 9.9 percent of all injury collisions.

When factoring auto insurance costs, Moraga said buyers should focus on crash-test results. Many insurance companies offer advice on cars that save both the insurer and driver money. Recently, 21st Century Insurance introduced its annual Crash Test Ratings Guide, essentially a reprint of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's findings.

Of the smaller cars that are generally more economical, the Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Volkswagen's New Beetle all received the highest rating in crash-test performance.

``As parents, we need to encourage our children to select these safer cars,'' said Joyce Prager, 21st Century's director of community relations. ``It's funny: You hear some people saying they love a particular car at the auto show, but when they look at the ratings guide, they realize it may not be the right car.''

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3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) A worker shines up the floor Thursday before uncovering a new Aston Martin sports car at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

(2 -- color) A Dodge M80 concept model at the Los Angeles Convention Center offers one glimpse into the future of compact trucks.

(3) The new incarnation of the supercharged Cobra Thunderbird turns heads during preparations for the L.A. auto show.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer