Chevy Sonic Outshines Ford Fiesta with Five-Star Crash Rating

Automaker's New Subcompact Tops Ford's in NHTSA Crash-Protection Program

OXFORD, MAINE (01/19/2012)(readMedia)-- When it comes to little cars that are big on safety, the new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is currently on top, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Currently available at Chevrolet dealerships, the Sonic subcompact car recently earned a five-star overall safety rating in the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), beating out Ford's four-star 2012 Fiesta.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic received the top score of five stars in the NHTSA's front and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test to earn its five-star overall safety rating. Meanwhile, the 2012 Ford Fiesta subcompact came up short comparatively. While the Fiesta earned five stars in the side crash test, it brought home only four stars in the front crash and rollover test to earn four stars overall.

"Small cars don't usually come to mind when you think of safety, but Chevy built the Sonic to be tough enough to withstand some serious trauma," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Chevy dealership Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford. "We'll have to wait until the NHTSA releases ratings for all of its test cars before the Sonic can officially be called the safest, but so far its competition has fallen short."

Aside from its four-star rating of the Fiesta, the NHTSA has yet to release overall ratings for other subcompact Sonic competitors for the 2012 model year. The Kia Rio has not yet been tested, while the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit have each only been partially rated, with neither yet earning a five-star rating in an individual test.

The 2012 Sonic and its competitors are undergoing testing through the NHTSA's recently revised NCAP, which started including more rigorous testing for the 2011 model year. The updated program had the Sonic endure a diagonal side-impact crash test, which mimics a vehicle skidding into a tree. Meanwhile, inside the vehicle, data was also collected from a smaller crash test dummy to measure protection against injuries on smaller females and children.

For those that like their safety with a touch of sport, Chevrolet debuted the 2013 Sonic RS hatchback at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show last week. The Sonic RS will feature a lowered suspension and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel for better handling, while newly styled front and rear fascias, a retuned sport exhaust and upgraded 17-inch five-spoke wheels will create a sportier look. Chevy will also include its latest MyLink infotainment system as a standard feature in the RS when it goes on sale in late 2012, allowing drivers to connect their smartphones to the car for a variety of entertainment and communication options.

"The Sonic has quickly earned a following with younger buyers that want practicality and affordability without sacrificing style and technology," Smith noted. "Adding a trim like the RS only expands those buyers' options by bringing an extra dose of performance and style to the subcompact segment."

About Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford:

As part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has served customers in New England since 1932, Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford is committed to delivering only the best service and sales at its Maine Chevy dealership. They provide a relaxed atmosphere where car shoppers can browse an extensive inventory of new and used Chevy vehicles as their questions are answered by an expert sales staff. Call them at 877- 897-9716, find them online at www.goodwinchevy.com or stop by their dealership, located at 1606 Main Street in Oxford. They can also be liked on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.