The all-new 2011 Cruze is the latest compact sedan from Chevrolet. It replaces the Cobalt, but is a completely different animal.
The Cruze shares its attractive styling cues with other Chevy offerings, notably the Malibu. The distinctive split front grille is found on other new cars in the company portfolio.
Available only as a 4-door sedan, the Cruze comes in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. The LS is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which produces 136 hp at 6,300 rpm. The unit is mated to standard 6-speed manual transmission, though a 6-speed automatic is available. Cars outfitted in LT or LTZ trim utilize a 138-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired with the 6-speed automatic. The direct-injection engine delivers 148 ft-lb of torque at 1,850 rpm, and Chevrolet estimates it can deliver 40mpg on the highway.
The LS is very much an economy model, and standard features include steel wheels, manual mirrors, an AM/FM/CD 6-speaker stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary jack, XM satellite radio, cloth seating and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. Air conditioning, power locks and windows and remote keyless entry are all standard on the LS as well.
The LT is split into two sub-trims: 1LT and 2LT. In addition to the turbo engine and auto gearbox, 16-inch steel wheels come standard, as do silver interior accents, remote start, a leather-clad steering wheel and power mirrors.
Stepping up to the LTZ adds niceties like a rear parking aid, power-adjustable driver's seat, leather seating, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, electrochromic rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, climate control, a sport suspension, alloy wheels and performance tires.
Available options for the Cruze include navigation with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, 9-speaker Pioneer stereo, heated leather seats and fog lamps.
Attractive, Edgy Styling
Competent, Well-handling Chassis
Efficient Turbocharged Power
Quality Interior Materials
Quiet Cabin
The Chevrolet Cruze is all-new for 2011, and is now the resident compact sedan in the Chevy lineup, replacing the Cobalt. Four distinct trim levels are offered, and power comes from one of two 4-cylinder engines--a normally aspirated 1.8-liter or a direct-injection turbocharged 1.4-liter. A 6-speed manual and automatic transmission are offered, as are a host of interior amenities and safety features. Chevy estimates the turbo will return 40mpg on the highway, and MSRP ranges from $16,275 to $21,975.
The compact sedan segment is a crowded one, and Chevrolet is upping its game with the 2011 Cruze. Styling is in line with the company's other offerings, which means the Cruze already has a familiar feel to it. Cabin noise is mostly absent, thanks to triple-seal doors, a laminated windshield, and hydraulic engine mounts. And with an available 138-hp turbocharged engine with direct injection, it's possible to achieve excellent fuel economy with a sporty feel. Riding on a proven global platform, the Cruze takes the fight directly to the competition-- the Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra.
