Chevrolet Cruze

0-100 km/h: 12,71 seconds Top speed: 188 km/h Power: 91 kw Torque: 154 N.m CO2: 153 g/km Fuel consumption: 8,04 L/100 km (fuel index)

General Motors has come and gone but its products will survive. At least the dealerships had the well-loved Isuzu brand to allow them time to branch into other income avenues. With robust sales of the smaller Spark and Aveo models, the Cruze arrived during the previous economic downturn in 2009 which didn’t help matters, especially in a segment dominated by the Japanese and one that continues to see dwindling sales. These Cruze units were all sourced from Korea after General Motors bought out the struggling Daewoo company.

Most are 1,6-litre featuring 91 kw but there is a 1,8-litre as well with 104 kw. This was fitted to our first test car in 2009. It featured the automatic gearbox which was not good for the test report but we can suggest now that you avoid the auto. It was difficult to drive cleanly. We would much prefer a manual derivative. The engines are rather shy on low-down torque so the five-speed manual gearbox needs to be used spiritedly. Fortunately, it is relatively quick shifting. The automatic gearbox has six speeds but the manual just five, which is unusual. Where the car does shine is perhaps hidden in the name. It is great at cruising speeds with the ability to soak up our poorer road surfaces with ease. This ability is enhanced by comfortable seats, lots of interior space and an upmarket facia and instrumentation layout. If you like the frugality of diesels, there are a few examples fitted with the 2,0-litre turbodiesel. This came in top-spec LT form only with a choice of auto or manual gearboxes, this time both with six forward ratios. Saving the best for last, the 1,8 was dropped in favour of a 1,4 turbo in 2015. With 103 kw and 200 N.m, this is indeed the best but present pricing is beyond our budget for the moment.

In unfortunate Gm/opel Ecotec fashion, a cambelt requires renewing every 100 000 km, better than some but be sure not to neglect this important schedule as your car gets older; the dealer or garage does not provide reminders. Mechanical parts supply should not be too much of a problem.