Chevrolet Cruze is the first car to get GM’s new generation of airbag with flexible venting technology. These airbags not only deploy more efficiently – because they have a single-stage system, they also reduce the risk of inflation-induced injury.

The flexible vent cover used in these airbags allows the driver’s forward momentum to effectively push the air out and away. The system uses one inflator for low-speed crashes and another for high-speed crashes. GM’s tests have  shown that single-stage flexible bags are just effecting in protecting the driver as dual-stage systems.

These advanced airbags join the Cruze’s other standard safety equipment, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control, Panic Brake Assist and Enhanced Smart Pedal / Brake Override, to make it a 5-star in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.

“This new air bag technology is a smart way to manage crash forces, and is an integral part of Cruze’s continued success in safety testing,” said Gay Kent, GM general director of vehicle safety and crashworthiness. “The latest safety rating reflects the confidence we have in its new and carry-over safety technologies and overall crashworthiness.”