2011 Chevrolet Cruze has segment-leading 10 air bags

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Thomas, a senior staff engineer for Chevrolet, has 30 safety patents to his credit ““ mostly for new or better air bags and restraint systems.

“I actually think of virtually all of the inventions in the middle of the night, from about two to four in the morning,” said Thomas. “There have been times when I actually got up in the middle of the night to make sketches for a new idea.”

Well, Thomas’ dreams are coming true with the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The new compact sedan from Chevy has a segment-leading 10 air bags to help keep passengers safe in a crash. The Cruze features frontal, head curtain side, front and outboard rear seat side-impact and knee air bags.

“My co-workers and I have put a lot of personal effort and thought into Chevrolet products like the Cruze,” said Thomas. “The results on the Cruze are world-class. Anyone who buys this car will have peace of mind knowing that they’re driving a vehicle with some of the most advanced safety technology in the segment. A great deal of design and care has gone into it.”

Video of Thomas explaining the Cruze safety features after the jump.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze”s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze:

– By: Omar Rana