The new Chevrolet Cruze - First drive impressions.

Somewhere in the world, a Chevrolet is sold every 7.5 seconds. That’s an impressive statistic. Those statistics also reveal that the Chevrolet Cruze is General Motors’ best-selling passenger vehicle. While those are global statistics, one has to ask themselves why we don’t see more Cruzes on our roads.

The simple deduction there is that South Africans tend to be brand loyal. In the compact sedan market there is a lot to choose from, including stalwarts like Toyota. I raise this point because the Chevrolet Cruze is no less a car than its Japanese counterpart.

For 2015, the Cruze gets a refreshing facelift. While the underpinnings are still familiar, you can now look forward to a fresh visage and a new powertrain combination. Included for 2015 is the familiar 1.4 ECOTEC turbo motor which is now also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.4 ECOTEC motor develops 103kW with 200Nm of torque on hand with power delivered from between 4900rpm and 6000rpm, but there is no need to wring the motor’s neck as the torque is available from down low, making it flexible and supple when driving in traffic or wishing to overtake.

Mated to the automatic transmission, shifts are smooth and power delivery gracefully linear. While there is a small presence of wind noise, overall NVH levels are low, allowing one to enjoy what is a smooth and composed ride.

The suspension rides firm, but not so much that you would climb out creaking and groaning from pain, but rather firm enough to inspire confidence and trust in the vehicle handling and dynamics. This is thanks to the stiff body structure that has lead it to receive a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It’s mannerisms at highways speeds are solid enough with steering weight suitable for these speeds; it presents minimal tracking and feels stable and planted.

Changes to the appearance are largely limited to the nose and rear of the car with the front end receiving a revised grill and headlight arrangement, complete with smaller Bowtie badge to align the face-lifted Cruze with the rest of the model lineup. Lower down in the front bumper is a set of spotlights whose housing also includes the now standard LED daytime running lights.

Around back, the rear taillights carry some heavier DNA with Camaro-like surrounds for the tail and brake lamps. A chrome strip runs the length of the sedans boot. Surprisingly, neither of the aforementioned traits are present in the hatchback variant.

Interior upgrades are minimal with the same trusted design being carried into the face-lifted model. LS models are now fitted with the 7-inch touchscreen Mylink system for entertainment and information.

The Chevrolet Cruze comes with a standard service plan offering of 3yrs/60 000km to 5yrs/90 000 km across the range. Also standard with the Cruze is a warranty and roadside assistance covering 5yrs/120 000km and anti-corrosion warranty 5yrs/unlimited km.

Cruze Range and Pricing:

Hatch:
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 LS	R248 300.00
Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS	R265 200.00
Sedan:
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6	R230 400.00
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 LS	R247 200.00
Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS	R262 500.00
Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS A/T	R272 400.00