The Chevrolet Cruze, a popular compact car, was introduced in 2011. If you’re considering a used Chevy Cruze, especially one that may have been in an accident (a Crashed Chevy Cruze), understanding its crash safety ratings is crucial. This article examines crash test data for the 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze models, focusing on moderate overlap frontal crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
IIHS Crash Test Results for the Chevy Cruze
The IIHS uses a rigorous testing methodology to assess vehicle safety in various crash scenarios. For the 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze, the moderate overlap frontal test evaluates how well the car protects the driver in a head-on collision with another vehicle or object. This test simulates a common type of crash.
The IIHS assigned the 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze a “Good” rating (the highest possible) in the moderate overlap frontal test. This rating applies to all evaluated areas:
- Overall Evaluation: Good
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good
- Driver Injury Measures (Head/Neck, Chest, Leg/Foot): Good
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good
A key aspect of the 2013 Chevy Cruze was the introduction of a redesigned “smart” airbag with flexible venting technology. To assess the impact of this change, the IIHS conducted tests on both a 2011 model and a 2011 model retrofitted with the 2013 airbag. The results showed no significant differences, indicating consistent performance across these model years.
Technical Measurements from the Crash Tests
The IIHS provides detailed measurements from their crash tests, offering deeper insights into crash dynamics and potential injury risks. These measurements include:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion: This measures how much the vehicle’s structure deforms into the driver’s space during a crash. Less intrusion generally indicates better protection.
Driver Injury Measures: This utilizes data from sensors placed on a crash test dummy to quantify potential injuries to the head, neck, chest, and legs. Key metrics include Head Injury Criterion (HIC), neck forces, chest compression, and leg forces.
Understanding a Crashed Chevy Cruze: Beyond the Ratings
While the Chevy Cruze earned good ratings, it’s crucial to remember that these are for controlled tests. The severity of damage and potential injuries in a real-world crash involving a crashed Chevy Cruze can vary depending on numerous factors, including:
- Speed and Angle of Impact: Higher speeds and less direct impacts can result in more severe damage.
- Other Vehicle Involved: The size and type of the other vehicle play a significant role.
- Safety Features: Even minor differences in features (like side airbags) can impact outcomes.
Conclusion
The 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze performed well in IIHS moderate overlap frontal crash tests, earning a “Good” rating. However, when considering a crashed Chevy Cruze, a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to assess the extent of damage and ensure the vehicle’s structural integrity. Remember, crash test ratings provide valuable insights, but real-world crashes are complex and influenced by numerous variables. Always prioritize safety when purchasing a used vehicle.
