Chevrolet Cruze with 1.4-liitre turbo
Chevrolet tore the covers off the new Chevrolet Cruze sedan which was unveiled at a busy media conference in Detroit this week. The brand’s best selling model around the world has already notched up 3.5 million sales since launch in 2008. For 2016 the Chevrolet Cruze has received a comprehensive list of updates to the styling and engine efficiency, as well as a raft of other innovative features one wouldn’t normally associate with the brand.
In most guises, the Chevrolet Cruze will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbo charged engine. When linked to the six speed automatic, this direct-injected powerplant’s fuel consumption is rated at 5.9l/100km. Previous insipid performance which dulled the Cruze’s senior appeal should no longer be the case. With 113kW and 240Nm, General Motors is confident the Cruze will accelerate to 100km/h in eight seconds.
The new shell isn’t just stronger, it’s 113kg lighter and contributing to the frugal consumption is an exterior design of low drag properties. For better balance, aluminium has been used in front and rear suspension arms and the track widths have been widened slightly. Hints of Volt and Chevrolet Impala draw endless comparisons but against the old model, one will immediately notice that the Chevrolet Cruze has grown in length; longer by 68mm and lower by 25mm, the designers have created a muscular shape with improved legroom.
Smartphone integration goes far beyond the normal features we’re accustomed to. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are flexible enough to synchronise third party applications with the car’s MyLink hardware. These applications are then displayed on a sharp 8-inch display. Chevrolet could even introduce WiFi connectivity and wireless phone charging to some models. Higher models in the range will be differentiated by bigger alloys, fog lamps, LED lighting and comfort features like heated steering wheel and heated seats. Colllision avoidance systems like Cross Traffic, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning will debut with the Chevrolet Cruze.
We can expect the Chevrolet Cruze to arrive in South Africa early in 2016. Pricing has not been established.
