You are less likely to be seriously injured if you are hit by Chevrolet’s new car than if you are driving it. This is the finding of Euro NCAP on the forthcoming Aveo model.

The car safety experts singled out the car – due to replace the Kalos in the spring – for its woeful performance, in particular the likelihood of life-threatening injury in the event of a front end collision. The Aveo saloon (pictured) was awarded two stars for occupant protection out of a possible five - with one struck through to indicate the injury risk.

Of six cars tested by Euro NCAP in the most recent assessment, only two achieved the top five star accolade for occupant protection.

Claes Tingvall, Euro NCAP chairman said: “I am pleased to see that two of the six cars have achieved a maximum five-star rating for adult occupant protection. It is reassuring that more and more car companies are now placing an emphasis on safety and we are happy to recognise their achievements.

However, we want to encourage the highest levels of safety in all cars and, in that regard, there is still work to be done.”

The Chevrolet Aveo was singled out by Euro NCAP for the unacceptably high risk of life-threatening injury to the driver’s chest, which was highlighted by the frontal test. As a result, the car’s final star was struck through.

Although the Aveo scored enough points overall to qualify for three stars, Euro NCAP insists on a minimum level of performance in each of the frontal and side impacts. While the Aveo’s performance in side impact was good, it did not score enough points in the frontal test to be given a three-star rating.

The Aveo is a facelifted version of the Kalos.

The Kia Cerato also obtained ‘poor’ results in the side impact tests with a high risk of injury to the driver’s chest.

  • More information.

    Summary of results

    Alfa Romeo 159
    Occupant Protection: 5 stars
    Child Protection: 4 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 1 star

    Kia Cerato
    Occupant Protection: 3 stars
    Child Protection: 3 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 1 star

    Chevrolet Aveo
    Occupant Protection: 2 stars strike through
    Child Protection: 3 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 3 stars

    Peugeot 207
    Occupant Protection: 5 stars
    Child Protection: 4 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 3 stars

    Suzuki SX4
    Occupant Protection: 4 stars
    Child Protection: 3 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 3 stars

    Hyundai Tucson
    Occupant Protection: 4 stars
    Child Protection: 3 stars
    Pedestrian Protection: 1 star