Super, Smashing, Great!

Following on from the Cruze, which in 2009 achieved the best-ever passenger protection rating in the industry benchmark crash tests, both the new Chevrolet Aveo and Orlando MPV have been awarded five-star Euro NCAP status.

According to EuroNCAP, the Chevrolet Aveo hatchback, which goes on sale this autumn, secured 85 out of 100 points, placing it among the very best in its segment. The Orlando, too, was awarded EuroNCAP's highest rating, scoring 80 out of 100 points.

In the key areas of adult and child occupant protection, the Aveo, achieved 95 and 87 percent of the maximum possible score, respectively. The award-winning Chevrolet Orlando also scored 95 percent in adult occupant protection and 79 percent in child occupant protection.

Both the Orlando and the new Aveo hatchback provide formidable levels of safety, said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe. Safety matters a lot to us and we are delighted that these two vehicles have earned the top European rating.

The Aveo is equipped with six standard airbags that are connected to the sensing and diagnostic modules mounted into the middle of the car. It also features a child-seat latching system. The car's active safety systems include electronic stability control, traction control, a four-channel anti-lock braking system with brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution. Hill-start assist and cruise control with speed limiter function are also among the Aveo's standard features.

The Orlando, too, has six standard airbags and provides ISOFIX elements for child seats. The crash sensor technology used in the MPV ensures that the doors will automatically unlock on detection of an impact. Anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and electronic stability control are standard on all cars. The Orlando's safety architecture is based on that of the Cruze, which was the first Chevrolet to achieve a five-star rating from EuroNCAP.

The Chevrolet Orlando has been on sale since March 2011 while the new Aveo will reach UK showrooms this autumn. The two vehicles are part of a wave of new-car launches in 2011, Chevrolet's centennial year. Other new models debuting in Europe this year include the new Captiva, Cruze hatchback, Camaro Coupe and Convertible, Corvette Grand Sport and Chevrolet's multiple award-winning electric car with extended range capability, the Volt, which arrives in the UK in spring 2012.