Chevrolet Cruze

Overview

When Chevrolet was in troubling waters back in 2008, it was the Cruze which brought the American manufacturer back in action. With its imposing muscle car like design and hair-raising straight-line performance, the Chevrolet Cruze instantly became one of the most favorites of the enthusiasts. Globally, the Cruze has entered into its second generation, however, the Philippines market continues getting the first generation version in its facelifted version.

The Cruze is being offered here in two engine options – while the 1.8-litre petrol engine gets the options of both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox, the 2.0-litre diesel engine is offered with a 6-speed automatic unit. And it is being offered in five different variants. The livery options for the Chevrolet Cruze are Velvet Red Metallic, Switchblade Silver Metallic, Mystic Lake Metallic, Mineral Oil Blue, Olympic White, Pewter Grey Metallic, and Carbon Flash Metallic.

Interior & Features

On the inside, the same impression of the exterior has been carried forward – while it looks good, it certainly has begun to show age owing to the lack of novelty. The overall layout of the interior cabin is purely driver-oriented, with many bits inspired from sports cars.

Take for instance, the driver’s cockpit. The three-spoke steering wheel with V-shaped brushed silver finish looks nice and gets steering mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls on both the upper spokes. The three-pod analogue instrument console looks very sporty, however, the small blue-backlit MID screen looks dated.

The waterfall-like centre console looks premium with brushed aluminium finish on the side edges and around the vertically designed AC vents. The buttons for automatic climate control as well as 2-DIN music system feel nice. However, the tech-savvy generation of today will just not accept the absence of a touchscreen infotainment system here, which is gradually becoming a norm even in some entry-level hatchbacks. However, the six-speaker music system sounds good.

While the seats of the Chevrolet Cruze get nice under-thigh support and comfortable seating. The space at the rear, with limited legroom and headroom, is slightly cramped as compared to its other rivals.

Exterior

When Chevrolet Cruze appeared for the first time, it instantly won many hearts, owing to its muscular stance, which made us feel as if it is a newer version of an old-school American muscle car. However, that was back in 2008, and after a span of almost a decade, this very design has seaw little changes, which make it look slightly dated now.

At the front, one is being welcomed by a large typical two-part grille seen on many Chevrolet cars. It gets chrome surrounds as well as the bowtie logo stacked between the two grilles. The headlamps get a sharp kink swept backwards, which give some character. However, in this day and age, the absence of LED inserts in the headlamps makes it look plain-jane. The small fog lamps get large vertical housings with chrome inserts, thus adding some visual appeal to the front bumper.

From the sides, the Cruze manages to look smart, thanks to the sloping coupe-like round roofline and a sharp line running from the front fender to the rear tail lamp. The thin chrome garnish on the shoulder line as well as pullback handlebars looks neat. At the rear, the large double barrel tail lamps with thick chrome garnish above the license plate housing make the car look large and bulky. 

Ride & Handling

Apart from the performance of both its engine options, the Chevrolet Cruze has always been praised for its driving dynamics. And this is the reason that despite its dated design, there are still many takers for the Cruze.

The Macpherson struts at the front and compound crank axle at the rear are set on a stiffer side giving the Cruze amazing levels of stability in all conditions. It is also one of the very few cars in the segment to offer disc brakes on all four wheels, which gives it good stopping power as well.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Chevrolet Cruze has built some solid reputation in the market. One does get the option of either a 1.8-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Talking about the petrol engine first, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder mill generates 142 PS of power and 177 Nm of torque and is being offered with both the choices of a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed torque converter.

On the other hand, the 2.0-litre diesel engine is coupled to only a 6-speed automatic gearbox and puts up 163 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque. With the amazing straight-line performance, the Cruze impresses one with the amount of pulling power it has on tap.

Braking & Safety

While the Chevrolet Cruze might be low in terms of novelty and gets limited comfort and convenience features, the list of safety and security functions is praiseworthy. One does get front and side airbags, ABS, EBD, reverse parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, traction control, and vehicle stability management system.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Cruze might not appeal to the young hearts just because of the limited design changes. In all these years of its existence, the Cruze offered limited new features as compared to its rivals. But beyond this, the car is an absolute delight to drive. With a punchy performance from both the engine options, precise steering and a taut suspension, it immediately forces us to ignore it dated visual appeal and praise it just for the way it drives. However, we would like Chevrolet to bring the second generation of the all-new Cruze to the Philippines market as soon as possible. But until then, this current generation Cruze, despite its lack of novelty, makes a strong case for itself for its character.