SHADES OF GREY
The Chevrolet Cruze may be six years old, but it shouldn’t be totally dismissed
What’s new?
While the second-generation Cruze from Chevrolet has already been unveiled for China and US, another revision of the first-gen model has just been launched in Thailand.
While updates are mostly subtle on the visual side, the new Cruze has markedly different front and rear ends. Changes include the dual-radiator grille, chrome casing for the fog lamps and Camaro-style rear lights. The wheels are also new, as well.
There’s now a two-tone interior in the Cruze, reflective of what has happened in the Colorado pickup and Trailblazer SUV when they were updated within the last year.
The engine range has now been trimmed from three to just one, as Chevrolet wants to concentrate on a variant that can attract low excise taxation with reasonable margins.
The 2.0-litre diesel-turbo has been conveniently dropped due to its 1.2 million baht-plus price, while the 1.6-litre petrol engine has been axed as it takes part in more price-sensitive waters.
That leaves the Cruze with just the E85-capable 1.8-litre petrol head, available in LT and LRZ trims priced at 946,000 and 998,000 baht accordingly.
What’s cool?
Overall, the Cruze looks fresh on the road, even if it can’t totally hide a six-year-old package. Since the Thai C-segment saloon class is mostly filled with bland-looking players, the Cruze’s styling should remain one selling point.
The same goes for the cabin. No, we are not implying that the Cruze has an exceptional exterior and interior design, but at least it looks distinctive when compared with rivals.
Since this update is like an extension of life support, Chevrolet has fitted with as many features as possible. They include all kinds of automatic addenda, infotainment stuff and four airbags in LTZ form.
A good thing that has remained firmly intact in the Cruze is the chassis set-up. Steering weight and accuracy is on the right side, while the suspension provides for both a comfortable ride and decent high-speed grip.
Like the Ford Focus and MG6, the Cruze has a handling and ride balance to teach its Japanese competitors a lesson or two.
Moreover, the Cruze has quite good levels of in-class cruising refinement when driven on the highway, Cars in this class aren’t usually that quiet when going from one city to another.
Which isn’t that surprising, because engineering in the Cruze is mostly shared with the Astra sister-model from GM’s German offshoot, Opel.
What’s not?
The Cruze may have sumptuo us exterior dimensions, but rear legroom isn’t that generous. It’s probably because of the ageing packaging, something newer rivals tend to excel.
Then there’s the issue of that engine. Although the 141hp 1.8-litre engine and six-speed automatic provide for ample oomph and responsiveness, the motor simply can’t keep its voice down when put to work. It’s arguably the most unrefined engine around aurally, if you put aside the dreadful unit found in the Proton Preve.
Lastly, the Cruze isn’t that frugal on fuel anymore when compared to its renewed competition. The 11kpl rating we achieved on the legal limit can be regarded as quite underachieving when compared to Japanese players like the Honda Civic (despite its dated five-speed ’box), Mazda 3, Nissan Sylphy and Toyota Corolla Altis.
Buy or bye?
By the standards of today’s cars, the Cruze should have been replaced in Thailand (like in China and US). But it wasn’t, so its age might turn off some people. But it shouldn’t be totally dismissed yet.
If you like a sub-1 million baht saloon with good driving manners, reasonable specs and distinctive styling, the Cruze still offers some food for thought. But if you hope for a capable engine instead, then it’s better to turn Japanese.
Price issues aside, the perfect match for the Cruze would have been that foregone diesel option, which not only worked well in this Chevy application but also stood out clearly in its class.
But as we see the Cruze now, it joins the other two Western brands in offering a fine chassis – at the expense of mediocre engine credentials the Japanese makes are greater in.