This morning we got behind the wheel of a “Silver Ice Metallic” Chevrolet Cruze Eco, and headed for Port Perry, Ontario.
Cruze returned Chevrolet back into the thick of the compact car market.
With the newly introduced Cruze Eco model, Chevrolet is now hoping to get back into the conversation that concerns over-achieving fuel-efficient small cars (notwithstanding the plug-in Volt).
The regular Cruze is certainly efficient but gets overlooked in the gas miser discussion, by virtue of its positioning as a sturdy and substantial compact entry. And when it comes to passenger cars, Chevrolet is also hybrid-free and diesel free.
The first impression is that the essential goodness and personality of the Cruze is very much intact. It is still a very stable and quiet and generously sized compact, with a lovely gearbox, and refined and torquey motor.
But considering how Chevrolet transformed a regular Cruze to a Cruze Eco, one would be surprised if the transition were anything but subtle. It’s not like they lopped off three cylinders and called it a day. They took a number of measures, all smart, all subtle…
On the aerodynamics side, the Eco features an upper grille with more “closeouts,” a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, a lowered ride height, under-body panels that smooth airflow beneath the vehicle, and a radiator “air shutter” that closes at higher speeds (about 57-59 km/h) and opens at lower speeds and/or anytime the engine needs optimum cooling.
There are also ultra-low resistance17-inch tires fitted to very light alloy wheels. Net result: a coefficient of drag of 0.298, versus 0.33 for the regular Cruze.
On the mechanical side the 1.4-litre turbocharged motor is fitted to a manual transmission that has been optimized for fuel efficiency. It has a very tall sixth-gear, which brings the revs down on the highway.
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| The first impression is that the essential goodness and personality of the Cruze is very much intact. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
Cruze returned Chevrolet back into the thick of the compact car market.
With the newly introduced Cruze Eco model, Chevrolet is now hoping to get back into the conversation that concerns over-achieving fuel-efficient small cars (notwithstanding the plug-in Volt).
The regular Cruze is certainly efficient but gets overlooked in the gas miser discussion, by virtue of its positioning as a sturdy and substantial compact entry. And when it comes to passenger cars, Chevrolet is also hybrid-free and diesel free.
The first impression is that the essential goodness and personality of the Cruze is very much intact. It is still a very stable and quiet and generously sized compact, with a lovely gearbox, and refined and torquey motor.
But considering how Chevrolet transformed a regular Cruze to a Cruze Eco, one would be surprised if the transition were anything but subtle. It’s not like they lopped off three cylinders and called it a day. They took a number of measures, all smart, all subtle…
On the aerodynamics side, the Eco features an upper grille with more “closeouts,” a lower front air dam extension, a rear spoiler, a lowered ride height, under-body panels that smooth airflow beneath the vehicle, and a radiator “air shutter” that closes at higher speeds (about 57-59 km/h) and opens at lower speeds and/or anytime the engine needs optimum cooling.
There are also ultra-low resistance17-inch tires fitted to very light alloy wheels. Net result: a coefficient of drag of 0.298, versus 0.33 for the regular Cruze.
On the mechanical side the 1.4-litre turbocharged motor is fitted to a manual transmission that has been optimized for fuel efficiency. It has a very tall sixth-gear, which brings the revs down on the highway.
 |
| There are also ultra-low resistance17-inch tires fitted to very light alloy wheels. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |