The latest version of Chevrolet Cruze mid-size sedan passed the highly Anticipated IIHS crash test with flying colors, earning top ranking of “Good” in in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests. That means the 2011 Cruze is a Top Safety Pick in its class, and that is the equivalent of five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Chevy Cruze owes its safety partly to the carefully engineered body design and partly to its vast number of safety equipments. Standard features include StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, anti-lock brakes, Panic Brake Assist and Enhanced Smart Pedal/Brake Override.

The Cruze is the first car in its class with 10 standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags and head curtain side air bags in the front and outboard rear seating positions and front knee air bags – a first for the segment. OnStar’s standard safety and security package is included.

“The new Cruze was clearly engineered from the ground up to meet the highest standards in safety performance,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “The Top Safety Pick award means that buyers of the Cruze will know they’re getting state-of-the-art protection in the most common kinds of crashes.”

“The IIHS Top Safety Pick Award builds on the already strong global safety reputation of the Cruze,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Cruze delivers the level of comfort, quality and safety that customers expect in larger, more upscale vehicles with the fuel economy of a compact.”