SEOUL, Korea (AVING) -- <Visual News> GM Daewoo's new global mini-car, the Matiz Creative(Chevrolet Spark), has received a strong four-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), which announced its results today.

In Adult Protection, the Matiz Creative recorded the maximum score of 8 points in the side impact crash test against a moving deformable barrier. It also received a high score of 7.35 points out of 8 points in the side pole test, indicating solid passenger protection in the event of a more severe side collision.

In Child Protection, the global mini also scored maximum points in Child Restraint System dynamic performance tests, which evaluate child protection from possible injuries in various types of crashes. Crash test dummies representing 1.5-year-old and 3-year-old children were properly contained in their restraints by the Matiz Creative's protective shell during side impact tests.

These achievements are the result of the Matiz Creative's structural enhancements combined with a full offering of active and passive safety features. More than 66 percent of the mini-car's body is constructed of high-strength steel, with 16.5 percent comprised of ultra-high-strength steel. The latter is mostly used in the longitudinal member of the underbody, and front and center pillars in the side body structure. This contributed to its strong performance in side crash tests.

The model went on sale in Korea in September as the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative. It will go on sale in Europe, North America and other markets in Asia, primarily as the Chevrolet Spark, starting early next year.