GM hatches more models
John Floyd cruised through a wet Western Cape in the latest Chevrolet Cruze vehicles
SINCE its introduction in 2009 the Cruze has become the best selling Chevrolet nameplate around the world. A product of co-operation between General Motors (GM) facilities in Korea, the US, Australia and Germany, Cruze sales have exceeded 1.13-million vehicles.
Last week General Motors SA (GMSA) launched the latest generation of Cruze in a very wet Western Cape, with a line up of five sedans, two new engines and, most significantly, the introduction of two hatchbacks to the range.
Two petrol engines are available, the tried and tested 1.8l unit delivering 104kW at 6,200r/min with 176Nm of torque at 3,800r/min and an all new 1.6l engine. This latest generation engine is a twin cam, 16valve, variable valve timing design with a variable volume intake manifold and revised mapping and delivers 91kW at 6,400r/min, up 11kW on the previous generation and torque of 155Nm at 4,200r/min. Both derivatives utilise a five speed manual transmission.
The real gem is the new 2.0l diesel engine. I loved the Cruze’s original diesel engine’s flexibility, but it was rather agricultural in the acoustics department, however the new unit has put that to rest.
The intercooled turbo diesel has high pressure common rail fuel injection and electronic control of the turbo, and produces 120kW at 4,000r/min, up 10kW and torque has been increased by 40Nm to 360Nm at 2,000r/min.
Drive is by either a six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.
The new Cruze is available as an entry level 1.6 petrol or in LS trim as a 1.6 and 1.8 petrol. The diesel in LS trim has the manual transmission and with the automatic box becomes the range topping LT. The hatchback is only available in LS trim and with either the 1.6 or 1.8 petrol engines.
Styling changes are minor with some sharper edges and new aperture trim in the front bumper, while the new hatchback gives a svelte appearance and actually provides more rear passenger headroom than its sedan sibling. The interior offers a high level of finish and good ergonomic qualities for all controls and ancillary equipment.
Specifications are comprehensive. Among others, you get four channel ABS, 16-inch alloy wheels, Cruze hatchback 1.6 LS MT R212,400 Cruze hatchback 1.8 LS MT R224,800 Cruze sedan 1.6 L MT R201,800 Cruze sedan 1.6 LS MT R215,400 Cruze sedan 1.8 LS MT R227,800 Cruze sedan 2.0 LS MT Diesel R265,300 Cruze sedan 2.0 LT AT Diesel R285,700 Pricing includes VAT and CO tax, a 5-year/120,000km warranty with a 5-year unlimited anticorrosion warranty and a 3-year/60,000km service plan headlight levelling system, cruise control, power steering, tilt adjustable steering wheel with satellite controls for the audio system, colour coded door handles and bumpers, sports style front seats, power windows all round, power door mirrors, air conditioning, rear seat armrest with storage facility and cup holders, an alarm immobiliser system, deadlock door locking system, remote central locking with speed sensitive locking, door unlock button on dash, driver and passenger front and side airbags, radio/CD player with four speakers and MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input for MP3 player or iPod, on board computer and a graphic info display.
This is just the specification on the entry level 1.6, move onto the LS range and you add telescopic steering adjustment, front seat side airbags, curtain airbags, height adjustable passenger seat, six CD front loader with six speakers, Bluetooth music streaming, ESP and traction control, front fog lights and a triple info graphic display.
Not enough? Then you have the factory fitted options that include Jet Black leather seats, climate control air conditioning and rear park assist as part of the Driver’s Package. A 17inch alloy wheel option is available for the Cruze hatch 1.8 LS.
Go to the range-topping 2.0 LT and the standard kit adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, dual zone climate control, rear park assistance, auto wipers and lights and power folding mirrors.
You are probably wondering why I have mentioned every bell and whistle; well, it is to demonstrate how dedicated GMSA is to offering a package that can rival the best in the C-segment that either of the leading Korean manufacturers (Hyundai and Kia), or those from Japan such as Toyota and Honda can offer, and at a very competitive price.
Driving any of the derivatives you have a car that offers good chassis dynamics with a comfortable, firm ride. Overall, the new Cruze with the hatchback alternative is sure to satisfy many, and its aggressive pricing may shake up Asian competitors.