The Chevrolet Cruze is the first vehicle to use GM's revamped Delta 2 platform, an architecture that is also used on other GM small cars around the globe, including replacements for the Chevrolet HHR, Opel Zafira and its related siblings. The Cruze's bodywork carries a design vocabulary that is incorporated into all vehicles across the globe that carry the Chevy bowtie. Chevrolet Cruze is available in three variants: Chevrolet Cruze LT , Chevrolet Cruze LTZ and Chevrolet Cruze LTZ AT.
Exterior
Chevrolet Cruze is a looker - the huge double front grille dominated by Chevrolet's new logo in the centre is a show stealer. Cruze's arching roof-line, extending from the steeply raked windshield to its sloping rear pillars and short rear deck, brings coupe-like proportions to a compact sedan.
Chevrolet Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie. New Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM's global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that is expected to deliver world class quality.
Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Chevrolet Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance. Chevrolet Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Distinct Design Features Of Chevrolet Cruze include a Concave Shoulder Line, Dual Port Front Grille, Dynamically Shaped Headlamps, Chrome Finished Door Handles, 'Wheels-Out/Body-In' Stance and 'Twin Cockpit' Design Motif.
Interior
The interior is well-proportioned and the sculpted seats offer good support. The cabin is quiet, a good indicator of build quality. The interiors appear very attractive with dual tone beige dashboard and leather upholstery. It's stylish dashboard is packed with advanced instruments.
All the models of Cruze will be packed with an advanced music system with Radio/CD player with MP3 CD capability and Six CD Changer with six integrated speakers that offer high class entertainment. Its advanced audio system is available with MP3 Auxiliary Input Jack. The audio controls are steering mounted so that there is no need to distract your eyes from the road to operate the audio system.
Engine
Chevrolet India has launched the Cruze with a diesel engine and manual transmission, which is a 1991cc 4 Cylinder VCDi diesel engine. This engine generates maximum power of 148 Bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 327 Nm @ 2600 rpm. An automatic is also available and it is called the AT Cruze in the LTZ trim and features a 6-speed tiptronic transmission. Other then the AT badging and the AT gearbox, there is no visual difference in the Cruze AT.
Safety
Active safety features includes Dual Front SRS Airbags that offers safety in case of collision, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Electronic Stability Control. The front wheels of Cruze come with large ventilated disc brakes while its rear wheels come with solid drum brakes. Its larger diameter disc brakes de-accelerate the car quickly.
Passive safety features include Side Impact Beams, Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts, Front Seatbelts with Pretensioner, 3x3 Point Rear Seatbelts, Warning Lamp for Driver Seatbelt, Front Seatbelt Reminder, Height Adjustable Headrest with Tilting Function, Knee Protector, ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint System (2nd row outer rear), Child Locks and Central Locking.
Verdict
The Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance clubbed together with an array of unique features. When you add it all up, the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price that represents unbeatable value for money.
