Adult occupant
The Cruze scored maximum points in the frontal impact, both the driver and the passenger dummies indicating good protection of all body regions. The passenger compartment remained stable, the windscreen pillar moving rearward only 5mm. Chevrolet were able to demonstrate that the knees and femurs of occupants of a different size from the test dummies, or those sat in different seating positions, would be similarly well protected. The car also scored full points in the side barrier impact. In the more severe side pole test, only the chest did not score maximum points, although protection in that area was still considered adequate. Protection against whiplash injuries in a rear impact was also good.
Child occupant
Based on dummy readings alone, the Cruze was awarded maximum points for its protection of the 18 month infant in the frontal and side impacts. Forward movement of the head of the 3 year dummy was well controlled and both dummies were properly contained within the protective shells of their respective restraints in the side impact. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. A permanent label warns of the dangers of using a rearward facing child seat in that position without first disabling the airbag.
Pedestrian
The bumper scored maximum points for the protection offered to pedestrians' legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet provided poor protection and scored no points. The bonnet offered predominantly marginal protection in most areas where the head of child might strike and poor protection in those areas likely to be struck by an adult's head.
Safety assist
Electronic Stability Control is standard equipment on the Cruze, as is a seatbelt reminder for the driver and passenger seats.