Towards the middle of last year, the world saw an
unprecedented rise in oil prices. People that were financially comfortable
driving large gas guzzling off roaders were caught out, and saw the urgent need
to downsize. Although this crisis affected the whole world it was particularly
harmful on US auto sales as large numbers of people prefer big thirsty SUV’s
and pick ups. As the market headed towards downsizing-Fast-GM saw that it was
severely lacking in that market segment. The Cruze was already on the table as
a future product but it was at least 2 years away.
What is currently happening to GM is only a product of years
of neglect to smaller fuel efficient cars, and Chevrolet’s primary weapon to
fight the recession and come out safe and sound is the all new Cruze, GM’s
first truly global model, and a product that unfortunately is a little late,
but is miles ahead of mid-sized Chevy’s of the past even though it’s currently
being built in Korea, at GM Daewoo, GM’s Korean outfit.
Driving Impressions
After an early morning rise, and a short presentation at the
Santander Airport in Spain about the WTCC Chevy Cruze which will replace the
current Lacetti in the series. We jumped into the production Cruzes for the
first driving stage to Cabarceno Park. The subject of the test was powered by
the 138 bhp petrol 1.8-liter variant, which was mated to a five-speed manual
box. The 1.8 engine is boring; with a monotonous sound track when pushing the
gas throttle, but that engine is all about efficiency, and that is something it
does rather well.
Our first impression of the car was positive. The Cruze
possesses a stylish exterior with Chevrolet’s bold brand image double ribbed
front grille. The satisfying surprises actually lay in its interior. Chevrolet
has done a superlative job there; the cockpit handling is original and trendy.
The quality of materials and finishes are very impressive as well as its centre
console design. The driving position and seat and wheel adjustability were fine
and yet the largest adults will feel very relaxed. Inside the cabin, the Cruze
feels cozy, but a living room it is not.
We continued our road to reach the region of San Roman de
Escalante for our first scheduled stop where we decided to switch cars for the
return leg. Our choice was the 2.0L diesel engine, although not available in
the Middle East, every time we drive a diesel variant we wonder why they are
not available as their torquiness makes them great cruisers.
Back to the Cruze, despite the Spanish below average roads,
the Cruze took the bumps and imperfections in its stride. The ride was balanced
and solid without much compromise on comfort. The Cruze’s overall dynamics
lived up to its sporty exterior looks while we were taking the sinuous and
challenging bends. The possible biggest disappointment is the steering, which
generally felt vague and inaccurate throughout long corners.
Design
The Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering
team with sophisticated styling cues that are fast becoming the signature for
Chevrolet. Chief designer Taewan Kim said that the new Cruze’s design is meant
to be “bold, not evolutionary. We wanted to take a big step forward, making a
strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world!”
The Cruze has a well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance
with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. A distinctive concave shoulder line flows
along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid and is set to become a new
signature Chevy design feature. The
upscale visual appearance is also reinforced by clean, uncluttered bodywork
free from moldings or trim. The signature dual-port grille carries Chevy's gold
bowtie with a new air of self-confidence. It is flanked by distinctive headlamp
housings, with 'jewel-effect' detailing, that sweep up, arrow-like, to a point
in the front fenders. Neat rear styling
includes flush-mounted tail light clusters, each molded with two circular
shapes, echoing a traditional Chevy twin light styling motif.
Safety Features
Alongside Chevy’s strive for more frugal and cost effective
models. GM’s bowtie brand has been setting its safety standards very high.
Efficient load paths provide maximum occupant protection in
the event of an impact from virtually any direction. Full-length beams and enhancements to the
sills, B-pillars and A-pillars, through the use of high-strength steels and
tailored blank processing, all contribute to the vehicle's excellent
crashworthiness.
The above structural passive safety features are
complemented by a series of internal passive features that will protect
occupants in worst case scenarios. Therefore, driver and passenger front
airbags, side curtain roof rail airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and a
collapsible pedal assembly are all fitted as standard. On the other hand,
active safety measures include ABS, traction control (TCS) and optional
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Drivetrain
The line-up comprises of 1.6 and 1.8-liter, all-aluminum,
gasoline engines. The 1.6-litre engine develops a maximum of 109 hp at 6,400
rpm and a peak torque of 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The more effective 1.8-liter version offers a140 hp at 6,300
rpm and peak torque of 175 Nm at 3,800 rpm. In terms of power output-per-liter, this
engine is among the most efficient on the market. With manual transmissions,
these engines deliver zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 12.5 and 10.0 seconds
respectively, and fuel consumption over the combined cycle of 6.7 and 6.8 L/100
km. The 1.6-liter engine is fitted as standard for the LS variants, while the
1.8-liter is optional for the LT. Both
are available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed automatic transmission,
a segment 'first' for Chevrolet.
Verdict
Nevertheless, after all said and done, the Cruze is striking
in its own firmly sporting approach. It rolls along gently and effortlessly;
everyone should be entirely happy with the Cruze. Though, the relative high
quality of the car, particularly in its interior, the cruising enhancements and
the pledged safety should make the Cruze an extremely attractive offering for
its potential buyers. With respect to its competitors, it has a more
interesting shape than the Corolla and offers a lot more than its main Japanese
rival. Still remains to see how affordable the Cruze will be in face of
established competition. In case you are in the market for a mid-size sedan
that offers everything you might expect from the segment, the Cruze should be
well within your aim…
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