The all-new Chevrolet Sonic (known in some parts of the world as the Chevrolet Aveo) has received a significant safety boost as part of its 2012 redesign.

2012 Sonic at Bob Maguire Chevrolet

The vehicle features a strong body structure with a single welded unit of full-length, high-strength frame rails and a safety cage; and nearly 60 per cent of the body structure uses high strength steel. Indeed ultra high strength steel is integrated into the forward portion of the rockers and the centre cross bar with the engine cradle distributing energy in front and side impacts; and the cradle bars absorbing the brunt of a frontal crash along with the bumpers and engine compartment rails.

2012 Sonic at Bob Maguire Chevrolet

Other benefits include reinforced front hinge and A- and B-pillar zones that maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment; and sensors that control the deployment of 10 standard airbags.

The airbags include: dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger; roof-rail mounted head curtain airbags with rollover protection; seat mounted side-impact airbags for front and outboard rear seat passengers; a driver knee airbag and a front passenger knee airbag; and onboard sensors that register if the vehicle tips up on a flat road surface.

2012 Sonic at Bob Maguire Chevrolet

In addition, all five seating positions have three-point safety belts.

The Chevrolet Sonic is relatively environmentally friendly as it is powered by the Ecotec 1.4litre turbo or the Ecotec 1.8litre.