Nifty hatches added to Cruze range

You have a choice of five models: Cruze 1.6; Cruze 1.6LS; Cruze 1.8LS - and two diesel powered models.

The new hatches are available with the choice of a 1.6-litre or a 1.8-litre engine. The all-aluminium petrol engines (no diesel option is likely to be offered in the near future) are twin-cam 16-valve units. The smaller engine kicks out 91kW and 155Nm while the 1.8-litre produces 104kW and 176Nm.

Although both engines have to be revved fairly high to produce these figures the bigger engine does reach 85% of its torque from as low down as 2000rpm. Although both hatches trot on at a brisk pace once up and galloping they are hardly likely to scar the tar. The 1.6-litre takes 12.8 seconds to reach the 100km/h notch and the bigger engine will get there in 11 seconds.

The fact that both vehicles felt a tad sleepy with just two adults up, this is probably the only minor criticism of the new Cruze hatches. Having said that, the new models were introduced in Cape Town and up on the Reef this will be even more noticeable. Interestingly enough, GMSA makes no bones about the fact that they are pitching its hatch against the Hyundai i30 which performs slightly better at 10.5 seconds and 10 seconds over the same sprint, not that nought to zero times are going to the biggest swaying factor at this end of the market.

Priced to go

Both engines are linked to a 5-speed manual transmission with no auto options available while the Hyundai does offer an auto option in the 1.6 class.

Where the new hatch scores well is in key departments such as looks, ride quality, safety and luxury features - but particularly when it comes to price with its two models selling for R212,400 and R224,800 against, for example, the Hyundai i30's R229,900 and R249,900.

In terms of looks, the new hatch is pleasing on the eye with a nicely sloping roofline, attractive stubby rear, high shoulder line, sporty alloys and prominent trademark Chev 'bowtie" on the grille which give it a nifty, clean, slightly sporty look.

Included in the features are aradio/CD player with four speakers and MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input for MP3 player or iPod, on-board computer and graphic info display.

click to enlarge

The cabin has a friendly, logical feel to it, emphasises by soft-touch materials and attractive instrument lay-out. A nice touch is the clever use of matching trim inserts on the dashboard, seats and door panels.

The seats are comfortable and the travel for fore and aft adjustment of the front seats is the longest of all competitors in the compact car 'C' market segment.

Large windows give excellent all-round visibility, which was particularly noticeable during our launch drive around the Chapman's Peak, Cape Point and Simon's Town in mist, wind and rain.

Bags of room

The cabin is spacious and has a general ambience of pricier players in this segment. Interestingly enough the rear head room of the upgraded Cruze hatch is greater than that of the sedan with 974mm in the Cruze hatch compared to 963mm in the sedan. The luggage space is also ample enough for a family of four with 413-litres on call with the seats up. This stretches to 833-litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down.

Manually controlled air conditioning is standard and an auto climate control is available as an optional extra.

A radio/CD combination with RDS is standard equipment and the infotainment system is MP3 compatible. An auxiliary input for an iPod or MP3 player is also part of the standard deal.

Key to the upgraded Cruze sedan range is a boost in power with the 1.6 engine booted up to 91kW and the 2,0-litre diesel engine has its power increased from 110kW to 120kW together with 360Nm of torque, up from 320Nm.

click to enlarge

The quiet, smooth ride of the hatch is impressive and a stiff body structure plays a key role in this, as in the sedan. Chevrolet says the taut and strong structure is fundamental to the suppression of NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) as well as providing a high level of occupant safety in the event of a collision. It also plays a pivotal role in optimising ride, handling and stability.

In terms of safety, the hatch has three-point seat belts for all five seats and Isofix child seat fixtures on the outer two rear seats. Driver and passenger front and seat side airbags and curtain side airbags for side impact protection for front and rear seats are standard.

Active safety measures include ABS anti-lock braking with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction control (TCS).

Steady as she goes

On the road the both the new hatches and the spruced up sedans feel steady on their feet, even on bumpy roads in bad weather and at a fair lick. The suspension tends more towards comfort than enthusiastic driving and the steering is more than adequately sharp and nicely weighted for parking.

Standard kit on both the new hatch models include a 60-litre fuel tank, 6.5JX16 alloy wheels fitted with 205/60R16 tyres, colour coded door handles and bumpers, ABS anti-lock brake system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction control, power steering, tilt adjustable steering column, telescopic adjustment for the steering column, leather steering wheel with satellite controls for audio system, height adjustment for the driver's seat, power windows front and rear, power side mirrors with heating demist, alarm immobiliser system, deadlock system for door locks, remote controlled central door locking with speed sensitive locking, door unlock button in dash, onboard computer and front fog lamps.

There's ample space and the large windows give excellent visibility.

click to enlarge

Key to the upgraded Cruze sedan range is a boost in power with the 1.6 engine booted up to 91kW and the 2,0-litre diesel engine has its power increased from 110kW to 120kW together with 360Nm of torque, up from 320Nm. Drive for the 2,0-litre diesel models is now via a 6-speed manual transmission for the LS version and 6-speed auto transmission for the LT version.

Styling and comfort enhancements of the dollied up 1.6 version sedan include a headlamp levelling system; steering wheel mounted satellite controls for the audio system; cruise control; a revised 16" alloy wheel design; and re-styled front and rear bumpers.

Further up the range items such as Bluetooth - Music Streaming; a height adjustable passenger seat; Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control are added.

A look under the bonnet

The realigned Chevrolet Cruze sedan range now consists of five models. Three of those are petrol powered variants with a choice of Cruze 1.6; Cruze 1.6LS; and Cruze 1.8LS. Two diesel powered models are now offered with a choice of Cruze 2.0LS with 6-speed manual transmission, or top specification Cruze 2.0LT with 6-speed automatic transmission.

While the petrol engines have only been tweaked, the 2.0-litre diesel engine is an all-new double-overhead camshaft, 16-valve, intercooled turbo diesel with electronic control of the turbocharger and high-pressure common rail fuel injection system. This engine produces 120kW @ 4000 r/min (up from 110kW) with maximum torque of 360Nm delivered at just 2000rpm (increased from 320Nm). Drive is now via a 6-speed manual transmission on the LS, and 6-speed auto on the LT.

GSMA claim 'exceptional fuel economy' in spite of its power boosts and says during tests fuel consumption below 6-litres/100km for the combined cycle was recorded. Low emissions are also a feature of this engine with just 150g/km of CO2 produced in normal driving conditions.

Now how's this for an attractive stubby rear.

Even at the lowest 1.6 level, the sedan comes standard with features such as 6.5JX16 alloy wheels fitted with 205/60R16 tyres, headlamp levelling system, 4 channel ABS anti lock brake system, cruise control, power steering, steering wheel satellite controls for audio system, sports type front seats, power windows front and rear, aircon, alarm immobiliser system, deadlock system for door locks, remote controlled central door locking with speed sensitive locking, a host of airbags, radio/CD player with four speakers and MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input for MP3 player or iPod, on board computer and graphic info display.

This list extends quite drastically as you move up the model range, and over-and-above-standard-features buyers also have the option of Jet Black leather seats; Climate Control (part of Driver's Package); and Rear Park Assist (part of Driver's Package).

The Cruze sedan has proved to be a popular choice in South Africa and the "new-look" sedans and the all-new hatch models are undoubtedly going to spark further sales, particularly when buyers weigh up looks, its comprehensive comfort and safety features, warranty and service plans, competitive pricing and the brand's extensive national dealer network.

Both the new Hatch and the sedan range are covered by a five- year/120,000km warranty with Roadside Assistance for the full warranty period, an anti-corrosion warranty protection is for five years/unlimited kilometres and a three-year/60,000km Service Plan.

Footnote: The Cruze ranks as the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate globally and from launch in 2009 to date sales exceed 1,13 million units.

Specifications

Chevrolet Cruze hatchback review - CarBuyer

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback