Chevrolet Cruze becomes first car to receive 5-stars in each test under new rating system

December 23, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Chevrolet Cruze, Compact Cars, IIHS, NHTSA, Sedans

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has earned an overall five-star crash test rating in from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Cruze is the first vehicle tested under the new rating system to achieve five stars in each of the individual crash impact conditions, leading to an overall vehicle score of five stars – the highest rating possible.

The Cruze was tested under NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) implemented this fall for the 2011 model year. The rating includes a tougher frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing.

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Under the new system, the three test conditions are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze also received the highest possible ratings of “Good” in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which recognized Cruze as a 2011 Top Safety Pick.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 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 are available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model to $22,695 for the top-of-the-line model.