Clean simple lines give the Cruze a bit of an aggressive looking front end, yet it is not too flashy. The taillights have a similar shape to the BMW 7-series and it has a wide stance from behind. The styling is nothing special, but it has enough character to give it some appeal.
This is, in fact, one of the largest compact cars and it is not only evident for the driver and all the passengers, the trunk is also massive. The rear seats split and fold 60/40 so there is a ton of space for cargo.
All seats are incredibly comfortable. They have ample support for the driver and lots of legroom for all passengers.
Another point for the Cruze is the starting price. For $14,995 the base model comes with a long list of standard equipment that includes power windows and doors, remote keyless entry, stability and traction control, 10 airbags and anti-lock brakes.
The base Cruze comes with a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 136 horsepower. It’s a great engine, more than capable, but the real gem is the available 1.4 litre turbo 4-cylinder with 138hp and 148 ft-lbs of torque. GM thinks that about 70% of people will buy the turbo and I see no reason why not!
This is the engine in my LT and it is incredible – there is no turbo lag and the power is exceptionally smooth.
For a price of $19,495 not only do you get the turbo, you also get air conditioning, MP3, auxiliary jack, heated exterior mirrors and cruise control.
A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic is available and I found the automatic to be quite efficient.
This Cruze handles great and the electric power steering offers good feedback. I just have to say this again; driving this car is a real pleasure. It is hard to grasp the idea that this is an inexpensive compact car.
Once again the word solid comes to my mind. It feels substantial to sit it and every corner and bend it takes delivers a planted and firm ride.
I have saved my favourite point for last.
I am unbelievably impressed with how quiet this car is. As far as I am concerned, this is the major thing that makes the Cruze stand out from the others in this class. Very little road or engine noise comes into the cabin regardless of what I'm doing with the car.
Just last week, I had the Honda Civic, the best selling compact car in Canada, and the noise on the highway when I accelerated was far greater than the Cruze.
The LT is rated at 5.5 litres/ 100km on the highway and 8.5 in the city. On paper, the Civic and Corolla do better in fuel economy.
I didn’t think I would fall for a domestic sedan. But I have.
A few years ago, I honestly felt consumers had two major choices in this segment, times are changing and if you are in the market for a compact car, I seriously recommend dropping your preconceived notions about Chevy and take this Cruze, well, for a cruise.
This is, in fact, one of the largest compact cars and it is not only evident for the driver and all the passengers, the trunk is also massive. The rear seats split and fold 60/40 so there is a ton of space for cargo.
All seats are incredibly comfortable. They have ample support for the driver and lots of legroom for all passengers.
Another point for the Cruze is the starting price. For $14,995 the base model comes with a long list of standard equipment that includes power windows and doors, remote keyless entry, stability and traction control, 10 airbags and anti-lock brakes.
 |
| For a price of $19,495 not only do you get the turbo, you also get air conditioning, MP3, auxiliary jack, heated exterior mirrors and cruise control. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |
The base Cruze comes with a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 136 horsepower. It’s a great engine, more than capable, but the real gem is the available 1.4 litre turbo 4-cylinder with 138hp and 148 ft-lbs of torque. GM thinks that about 70% of people will buy the turbo and I see no reason why not!
This is the engine in my LT and it is incredible – there is no turbo lag and the power is exceptionally smooth.
For a price of $19,495 not only do you get the turbo, you also get air conditioning, MP3, auxiliary jack, heated exterior mirrors and cruise control.
A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic is available and I found the automatic to be quite efficient.
This Cruze handles great and the electric power steering offers good feedback. I just have to say this again; driving this car is a real pleasure. It is hard to grasp the idea that this is an inexpensive compact car.
Once again the word solid comes to my mind. It feels substantial to sit it and every corner and bend it takes delivers a planted and firm ride.
I have saved my favourite point for last.
I am unbelievably impressed with how quiet this car is. As far as I am concerned, this is the major thing that makes the Cruze stand out from the others in this class. Very little road or engine noise comes into the cabin regardless of what I'm doing with the car.
Just last week, I had the Honda Civic, the best selling compact car in Canada, and the noise on the highway when I accelerated was far greater than the Cruze.
The LT is rated at 5.5 litres/ 100km on the highway and 8.5 in the city. On paper, the Civic and Corolla do better in fuel economy.
I didn’t think I would fall for a domestic sedan. But I have.
A few years ago, I honestly felt consumers had two major choices in this segment, times are changing and if you are in the market for a compact car, I seriously recommend dropping your preconceived notions about Chevy and take this Cruze, well, for a cruise.
Article Gallery