The new-to-America Cruze is Chevrolet's latest small car and comes powered by either a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder, or a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder -- both with the choice of either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
The turbocharged engine puts out 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque and should be capable of up to 40 mpg on the highway. The 1.8-liter puts out 136 horsepower and 123 lb-ft. of torque.
The Cruze is offered in four standard trim levels, as well as a specialty option package, known as RS Appearance, which includes rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps and a rear spoiler.
Cruze LS
The Cruze is available in several trim levels, including the base LS level, which comes with a 1.8-liter Ecotec engine and a six-speed manual transmission standard. Standard safety equipment includes 10 airbags, StabiliTrak ESC, ABS and more. Chevy also points out that even the base LS will come standard with A/C, power locks and windows and remote keyless entry.
Cruze LT
Opting for the LT essentially swaps out the less efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder for the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, swaps the six-speed manual for an automatic with an equal number of gears, and bumps the wheels up to 16-inches.
Cruze Eco
The Cruze Eco relies on the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual to achieve the platform leading fuel economy of 40 mpg highway, and will come with 17-inch alloy wheels and ultra low-rolling resistence tires, as well as a package to improve aerodynamics.
Cruze LTZ
Jumping to the range-topping LTZ will result in the same 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Drivers enjoy a six-way power seat, leather seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob. Also standard will be cruise control, Bluetooth, USB, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic climate control, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, 18-inch wheels and remote start.
The Cruze features several high-tech options and features such as available navigation with 40 gigabyte hard drive with pause-and-play radio and the ability to download music onto the hard drive, XM satellite radio, a premium Pioneer 9-speaker stereo system featuring a 250-watt amplifier, heated lather seats and OnStar.
The U.S. model sees the rear independent suspension replaced with a Z-link suspension, but gains an acoustic laminate windshield for added interior quietness. The Cruze will also feature rack-mounted electric power steering -- a features that delivers a marginal fuel gain and reduces required steering input for low speed maneuvers.
Outside, the Cruze takes styling cues from the new Malibu, and promises to be a much sharper car than the current Cobalt.
Based on what was once called the Delta 2 platform, the all-new Cruze rides on GM's Global Compact Vehicle Architecture. The primary engineering and development comes from GMDAT -- GM's Korean partner (although there has been strong input from the North American and European planning groups).
