The 2011 Chevrolet Volt won the highest safety rating in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting it in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year.
About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said.
The Volt received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.
The tests involve front, side and rear collisions with another vehicle, and a rollover crash.
"What explains the Volt's performance is the crash engineering that went into its development," Rader said.
The vehicle was engineered with a strong "crumple zone" between the bumper and windshield to maximize protection during a front collision. It also features strong pillars between the front and rear doors to offer enhanced protection in the event of side crashes, he said.
The ratings are based on a vehicle's structural performance and injuries to crash-test dummies in the model being examined. Any damage to the other test vehicle or its occupants is not considered, Rader said.
Most 2011-2012 vehicles tested have received the highest safety award because "manufacturers have been stepping up to meet" increasingly tougher crash protection criteria, he said.
The performance of the Volt, which is classified as a small car, can also be attributed to the weight of its battery pack, he said.
"When it collides with something bigger and heavier like a truck or SUV, it has an advantage over other small cars," Rader said.
The Institute tested the Volt between January and March.
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Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!
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