Chevrolet Cruze gets 5-star safety rating in China

The Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan, which went on sale across China starting in April, has received a maximum five-star safety rating from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), which recently released its C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) ratings.

The Chevrolet Cruze 1.6-liter SE, the model used in crash tests, scored a maximum of 16 points in side crash tests and scores of 14.44 points and 15.73 points in front-end collision tests and 40% frontal offset collision tests.

During testing, the front end absorbed energy as designed. As a result, the passenger compartment was well preserved. There was no damage to the A, B or C pillars. The central door locking system unlocked automatically and all four doors could be opened easily. Front and side air bags deployed as designed, with accurate matching between the touch point of the air bag and the crash-test dummy's head.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a new global compact car from General Motors. It features a full range of active and passive safety features including Body Frame Integration (BFI) and four front and side air bags. The 1.8-liter SX model also comes equipped with two curtain air bags in both front and rear. Advanced electronic systems such as electronic brake-force distribution are also available.

The Cruze is sold at Chevrolet 4S stores across China and isoff to a good start; 19,196 were sold in its first three months on the market. The 1.6-liter SE, the model used in C-NCAP crash tests, is priced at RMB 119,900 (US$17,600).

Earlier this year, the Cruze received a maximum five-star rating in Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) testing in Australia.