The all-new Chrysler 200 has truly transformed into an all-around better vehicle when it comes to looks and features. Now it can add safety to the list after earning top honours from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in their gruelling small overlap frontal crash test.

This is the same test that saw 12 small cars struggle mightily to protect the driver, with only one, the MINI Cooper Countryman receiving a top rating of 'good'. That would be the same rating that the 2015 Chrysler 200 would receive, a step up from the previous models rating of 'acceptable'.

The 200 receives extra recognition for the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award for having an available front cash prevention system that has an optional forward collision system with autobrake.

The small overlap frontal crash test examines the impact and damage of a front driver side collision with a fixed object, such as a tree or post, or with another vehicle at 64 km/h. The reason for the test is that 25 per cent of vehicle crashes occur with this exact impact.

During the test, the Chrysler 200 showed an absorption of impact without any significant injuries to the driver. The driver's head didn't hit any of the side structures or door and stayed well-controlled. Furthermore, the side airbag deployed, protecting the driver from any additional damage.

For more information and to understand the test further, here's a short video from the IIHS.