The Chevrolet Cruze is based on the Global Delta Platform, GM’s platform for compact front-wheel drive sedans and hatchbacks – and last year’s Paris Auto Show revealed the Cruze hatch and gave hints as to where this might still be going.
The addition of a 2,0-litre turbo-diesel powered variant to the Cruze range adds a significant other to the range. The single overhead camshaft, 16-valve, intercooled turbo diesel – with electronic control of the turbo-charger – produces 110 kW at 4 000 r/min with maximum torque of 320 Nm delivered at 2 000 r/min. Drive is via a 5-speed manual transmission.
To keep the price low, Chevrolet does not use the latest engines but rather chooses proven technology off the shelf. The diesel engine performs well, but emits an old-fashioned lorry-like noise, while some of the most modern diesel engines run as smoothly as a petrol engine. Significantly, the Cruze 2.0D LT delivers exceptional fuel economy. Our test cycle got consumption as low as 5.2 L/100 km for the extra-urban cycle with an actual overall average of 6.1 L/100 km.
The Cruze carries a very bold and modern hood with a high crown and prominent strakes led by a large bowtie Chevrolet logo. The front grille is a black honeycomb mesh separated by a body-coloured crossbar with chrome surrounds, and dual bezel headlamps, which protrude until the front fenders. The roofline of the Chevrolet Cruze is coupé-like and the crisp swage line makes the shoulder of the Cruze look low. The apparently low shoulder and large wheels give the Chevrolet sedan a muscular look. The sedan’s long wheelbase of 2 685 mm with little overhang front and rear, shallow greenhouse, flared wheel arches, seven-spoke alloys and the light line above the rocker panels all make the Cruze look purposeful.
The Cruze’s monocoque has a Body-Frame Integral structure made of high-strength steel. The Chevrolet Cruze scored a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP ratings and did well in both occupant and pedestrian safety. The side structure features two large, single-piece, body pressings that include the door openings. The inner and outer stampings are precision welded together with a tolerance of no more than 2 mm along the length of the vehicle. Apart from adding rigidity to the body structure, these side pressings enable the exterior body panels to be fitted more accurately for the quality finish and panel fit that characterises the Cruze. The engine and transmission are mounted on a sub-frame isolated from the main body structure by four rubber mountings. This helps minimise the amount of road noise and vibration transferred into the cabin of the vehicle and facilitates tuning of the ride and handling characteristics.
From the driver’s seat, everything feels good – the car does not feel big except for the long bonnet. The steering wheel feels meaty and is just as big as we would like it to be. The mirrors are usefully large. There is more than enough legroom and headroom for the front occupants and the 450-litre boot capacity is more than enough for most needs. Our only gripe, the slightly high sill that makes loading heavy items a bit of a chore.
On the road, the Cruze tends to lean towards a more relaxed driving style making an excellent motorway companion, clocking up miles with ease and making light work of overtaking with the available torque. Twisty roads are not the Cruze’s forte though as it struggles to keep pace with the more dynamic cars in its class. There is a tendency to understeer around tighter bends, and there is a helping of body roll when a quick change of direction is needed. MacPherson struts are utilised in the front suspension with a solid torsion beam axle for the rear, avoiding the costly multi-link independent rear suspension used by some more expensive rivals. Hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering gives for a 10,9-metre turning circle. Braking-wise, ventilated front, and solid rear disc brakes are employed, both using piston steel callipers. The Cruze brakes very well and an emergency stop is performed with some drama (screaming tyres, not keeping a straight line), but the braking distance is very short indeed.
To counteract noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers have designed the Cruze with an isolated four-point engine mount and implemented sound damping material in areas including the front-of-dashboard panel, luggage compartment, deckled internals, doors, carpet and headlining. Further noise suppression using a triple-layer sealing system in the doors has also been employed.
The Cruze 2.0D LT offers excellent specification that includes alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, power windows front and rear, power side mirrors and central locking. With its ‘LT’ specification level, the new Cruze 2.0D LT expands on this to offer a full suite of luxury features including full air bag protection including curtain side air bags (six air bags), front loading six-CD sound system, leather covered steering wheel with satellite audio controls, leather seat covers, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, rear park assist, rain sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control and auto lights on function. Wheels on this model are 7JX17 inch alloys fitted with 215/50R17 tyres.
The diesel engine is an added dimension to the range that will provide many benefits to cash-conscious families and business people.
What we like…
- Fair performance and excellent fuel economy.
- Level of specification for the money.
- Solid build and plenty of space.
What we would like…
- An intelligent key system so you can’t lock the key in the boot 250 km from home on New Years day!
| Quick Facts |
|
| Base Price | R261 100 |
| Warranty | 5-year/120 000km |
| Engine Capacity | 1 991 cm³ |
| No. Of Cylinders | 4-cylinders, In-line |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Power | 110 kW @ 4 000 r/min |
| Torque | 320 N.m @ 2 000 r/min |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 198 km/h (Claimed) |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 l/100km (claimed combined) |
| CO2 Emissions | 150 g/km |
