Range well suited to role of enforcer
Turbo plant gives Cruze enough oomph to outrun the bad guys
IF EVER the South African Police Service had to introduce a standardised patrol sedan to its fleet, the Chevrolet Cruze should appear in the top-five list of vehicles to consider.
Not only would it look the part of an intimidating and in-your-face police “enforcer”, but it’s affordable, too. Granted, the recent updates to the face and rear styling have taken away some of the aggressiveness of the old model, but the new vehicle still fits the bill.
Not even the fact that a 1.4-litre turbo engine has been added to the range should detract from the Cruze’s potential to nab the bad guys. In fact, this impressive powerplant boasts a higher top speed than the normally aspirated 1.6-litre model, at a claimed 204km/h versus 190km/h.
With the addition of the 1.4T model – which replaces the 1.8-litre – the new Cruze lineup consists of four sedan and two hatchback models. The interior remains much the same, while exterior styling updates include a revised front fascia and grille with new projector-type fog lamps and LED daytime lamps.
The back end includes a new deck lid and tail lamp design while new 16” and 17” alloy wheel designs have also been made available. The 17” is optional on all LS models.
GMSA recently provided Dispatch Motoring with the 1.4T Cruze sedan with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
THE turbocharged 1.4 Ecotec petrol engine was first introduced in 2013 and has now been included in the
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Cruze. Initially sceptical at how well the unit would power the mid-sized sedan, I was pleasantly surprised at its allround performance, producing 103kW between 4 900 and 6 000rpm and 200Nm of torque.
The 0 to 100km/h sprint is completed in 10.4 seconds, while combined fuel consumption is a claimed 6.8-litres/100km, with corresponding CO² emissions of 157g/km. The 1.4T was a pleasure to drive around town and the auto box made sitting in Gonubie traffic a lot more bearable. Other models include: ● A 1.4 turbo manual with a combined fuel consumption of 5.8litres/100km and CO² emissions measured at 135g/km. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 9.3 seconds and the vehicle has a top speed of 195km/h.
● A naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine which produces 86kW of power at 6 200rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. Combined fuel consumption is 6.7-litres/100km with 158g/km CO² emissions. The 0 to 100km/h sprint takes 12.8 seconds, with a top speed of 185km/h for the hatch and 190km/h for the sedan.
Safety
SAFETY levels in the 1.4T are good and the Cruze range retains the original systems which earned five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A stiff body structure – said to be amongst the stiffest in its class – contributes to a high level of occupant safety in the event of a collision. It also plays an important role in ride, handling and stability. Other safety features include: ● Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps the driver maintain control in challenging driving situations;
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● Traction Control, which limits wheel spin when one or both of the front-drive wheels begin to lose traction; and
● Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
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Standard features
THE LS models now feature the Chevrolet Mylink Infotainment system as standard equipment.
Mylink is GM’s umbrella term for in-car entertainment and the 1.4T featured bluetooth and a USB and
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auxiliary port. Other features included a multi-function steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, central locking, cruise control, and plenty of storage space. In the event it’s not used as a police vehicle, the Cruze still fits the bill of a comfortable
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family sedan thanks to a large boot and rear seating for three.
Warranty and pricing
THE Cruze range comes with a standard service plan offering of three years/60 000km to five years/ 90 000km. Also standard is warranty and roadside
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assistance covering five years/120 000km. The 1.6 LS hatch sells for R248 300 and the 1.4T LS, R265 200. The sedan pricing is: 1.6 – R230 400; 1.6 LS – R247 200; 1.4T LS – R262 500; and 1.4T LS A/T – R272 400.
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