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.

GM India unveils new Chevrolet Cruze

General Motors unveiled the all new Chevrolet Cruze diesel model in the capital with an aggressive introductory price ranging from INR 1099000 to INR 1245000 (ex showroom, Delhi).

This is the second offering in the D or the executive, segment from GM India. Its first car model in this segment was the Chevrolet Optra Magnum.

The new car is cheaper than its competitor Honda Civic, the Skoda Laura diesel and the Volkswagen Jetta diesel. However it is priced in the same bracket as the Toyota Altis which is also available for INR 1100000 but is a petrol driven car.

Mr Karl Slym president & MD of GM India said that “Three months ago the new General Motors company was born. Cruze is the first offering from the new company. The new car has been built on a brand new global platform called the 300 series.”

According to him, the third small car scheduled for launch next year is also modeled on the mini 300 series platform. The 2 litre diesel engine-fired Chevrolet Cruze is the biggest car in the executive passenger vehicle segment in terms of dimensions and is available in two variants: LT and LTZ.