WE LIKE
1. Sporty looks
2. Classy interior
3. Good value
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Petrol engines lack grunt
2. Not as engaging to drive as some competitors
3. Saloon design isn't as flexible as a hatchback
This compact saloon is an important car for Chevrolet as it's the first car that has been designed specifically for European tastes. It's also based on a new global platform which will eventually become the next generation Vauxhall Astra.
Additionally, this is the car to champion Chevrolet's new design language, which can be clearly seen in the stylish twin-port grille and raked headlamps. We think it's a very good looking car throughout - the exterior is sporty with clean lines and a coupe-like silhouette, while inside the sculpted twin-cockpit design looks classy. The initial impressions are that the Cruze is well-screwed together too. The instruments and dials feel solid, some have even been taken straight from Vauxhall's larger Insignia - a much pricier car.
The cabin is well proportioned with enough leg and head room for four adults - certainly on a par with the rest of the segment - while the boot is a good size too.
There are four engines to choose from - 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol engines offering 112bhp and 140bhp respectively and two versions of the 2.0-litre diesel in 125bhp and 150bhp form. The 2.0 VCDi 150 offers good - although not exactly brisk - acceleration and refinement. Both the petrol engines need revving hard to persuade any kind of performance from them - the 1.8 is particularly disappointing for all of its 140bhp - but once going the 1.6 feels oddly more sprightly than the 1.8.
The Cruze is well specified with three trim levels. Basic equipment levels are good, whilst the range-topping LT spec - only available with the 1.8 petrol or higher powered diesel - gets plenty of 'big car' kit including cruise control, climate control, automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, upgraded stereo, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.
On the road the Cruze tends to lean towards a more relaxed driving style making an excellent motorway companion, clocking up miles with ease. Twisty roads aren't the Cruze's forte though as it struggles to keep pace with the more dynamic cars in its class. There's a tendency to understeer around tighter bends, and you'll get a helping of body roll when a quick change of direction is needed.
The bit that will make you sit up and take notice though is the price, which undercuts the majority of the Cruze's competitors by some margin. We can't see that you're getting any less of a car for your money and providing you're not fussed by razor sharp handling or what badge is on the bonnet, the Cruze makes a very tempting proposition.
Average
User reviews (11)
Leave a review
Hugh R Moller02 December 2009
Excellemt
Report as inappropriateGerald Bearman21 March 2010
Car drives OK but rubbish plastic marks too easily rock hard, arm rest. . Diabolical Instrument dials numerals too small can not be read easily when wearing sun glasses,can not access trip odometer tied into Menu system. Lacks essential features found on similar priced Dodge Caliber e.g. Tyre pressure Monitor, powered foldback door mirrors, compass, self locking doors,chilled drinks locker, auto Diesel fuel consumption only 29.4 mpg
Report as inappropriateMiroSK23 April 2010
No comment.BEST BUY!!!
Report as inappropriateneil ballingall04 July 2010
love the car, i have owned one for 2 months now, and no probs with it at all love it,
Report as inappropriateSharmili22 July 2010
Very informative post. <a href='http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000772/chevrolet-cruze-18.aspx'>Chevrolet Cruze</a> looks best in terms of design and styling in its segemnt. It is a true value for money car in comparison to its rivals. Am planning to buy it soon.
Report as inappropriateshmulik28 July 2010
exelent buy. only small problems. the deshbourd lights is too weak & i cant see them in sunlight. the 1.6 l engaine is a little weak. but this is the finest car ive ever had/ better then mazd, honda civik, toyota corola, & i30. ive tested all of this cars & finely bought my black chevrolet cruze. & enjoy every day of it. recomended with all my hart.
Report as inappropriateMarkovic04 December 2010
10.000km with Cruze 2.0 LS 125hp in last 4 months. Excelent powerfull engine. Fine car.
Report as inappropriateMarkovic04 December 2010
I have owned Cruze 2.0 LS 125hp almost for almost 4 months. It is more than 10.000km on dashboard now. Excelent car and powerful diesel engine.
Report as inappropriateLorne01 January 2011
I am the proud owner of a Chevrolet Cruze LT - it is an excellent vehicle in this specification - I would recommend it to anyone who wants a car that is a step up from the Focus or Astra but doesn't want an old Mondeo or Insignia with a less powerful engine. It has very good handling on long sweeping and even twisty roads but it is best as a long distance cruiser class car (pardon the pun). I am increasingly impressed with the vehicle and I am no stranger with more expensive metal. Is it a BMW 5 series ? No it isn't but the difference isn't as far as one might suppose and the price is a quarter of an equivalently loaded 5 and half of a 3. Some of us are not in a position to waste money.
Report as inappropriatesujeeth reddy14 February 2011
too good to ride for long distance, excellent car
Report as inappropriateKotsiosM30 July 2011
It took me 3 months to decide. After a lot of test drives, a lot of discussing, a lot of homework and 2 Cruze test drives, I finally pick that out of the rest. By being much more comfort than its competitors, more smooth driving, very good building quality, and trully value for money with all that equipment coming with the base model. The choice was innevidable. Chevrolet cruze guys. You won't be sorry for your choice. I'm waiting for mine to arrive in about 50 days from now...
Report as inappropriateJoin Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment