Chevrolet Cruze is rated five stars in the latest NCAP results

Chevrolet Cruze

Previously recognised for a best-in-class, five-star crash safety rating in Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) testing in Australia and Chinese New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) testing in China, the Cruze has now achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, becoming the only car ever to achieve maximum points in frontal offset and side impact crash tests.

The Cruze received a maximum 16 points in the frontal offset collision and a maximum 8 points in the side impact test against a moving deformable barrier, making it the first passenger car to receive maximum scores in both tests since Euro NCAP began providing crash test ratings in 1997. Overall, it scored 79 points out of a possible 100 – a clear five-star rating.

The independent European testing organisation also awarded Chevrolet's new compact saloon a high score of 7.3 out of 8 points in the more severe side pole test, indicating that the Cruze's reinforced side shell helps protect passengers in the event of a side collision. The Cruze's headrests were well positioned to absorb crash energy against whiplash in a rear-end collision. The Cruze was also given high marks for child and pedestrian protection during testing.

"We are pleased with the Cruze's outstanding safety rating," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe. "Today's results confirm that the Cruze offers benchmark safety. This complements its bold styling, excellent ride and handling, and outstanding value for money."

The Cruze's safety begins with its solid body structure. It features a new body-frame integral (BFI) system supplemented with finely tuned chassis components. With the BFI system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, offering a heightened sense of solidity and stability.

Sixty-four percent of the structure is constructed of high-strength steel, offering a high level of protection. Reinforcing the door and locker seal applications, the use of ultra-high-strength steel for the B-pillars and the efficient aluminium bumper application further ensure maximum safety.

The Cruze features as standard a full range of active and passive safety features usually found only on more expensive vehicles, including:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Brake assist
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
• Six air bags, including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain air bags
• Seat-belt reminders, retractors and lap pretensioners with seat-belt load limiters

The Cruze is a member of Chevrolet's new range of small, compact and mid-size products being rolled out in markets around the world. It is or will be built in Korea, Russia and the United States, and sold in over 130 countries around the world.