With over 3 million Chevrolet Cruzes sold since its launch, we had to find out why this model is so

There’s no denying that the Chevrolet Cruze is a success story. Since its launch in 2009, over 3 million Chevrolet Cruzes have been sold and as it stands, the Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger vehicle.

It’s not hard to see why. It’s respectably priced and well equipped. It ticks most of the boxes that the general populace would need in a vehicle. It’s recently received a facelift and a 6-speed gearbox but we still had to find out why it is as popular – even in the less than attractive hatch body type.

Design

For 2015, the Cruze comes with an updated look. While many of the changes take place at the rear, it’s the front that sees a new bumper and grille arrangement with the two openings now larger and more angled than before. It’s complemented by an open lower section that spans the length of the front bumper and ends off with chrome highlighted LED DRLs. Keen observers will also note that the bowtie badge is also a lot smaller than the previous model.

At the rear, new taillights rest in the rump and provide a more balanced look. While the hatch model has the underlined brake lights, it’s the sedan that incorporates U-shaped chrome inserts to tie the model in with the rest of the Chrevrolet line up, echoing the taillights spotted on the Camaro.

The back end of the sedan is a beautiful piece of design but the same cannot be said for the hatch. I find it hard to believe that the same design team that could create the very attractive sedan could create something as ghastly as the Cruze hatch. All the efforts that have been sunk into the front of the car are squandered when you swing ‘round the back and are forced to look at that rear.

Interior

Things are salvaged once you get inside though. The cabin is a tasteful mix of fabric and plastic with just the right amount of garnishing to make it pleasant. Some may find it too youthful, while other may find it a little dreary, but overall, the interior of the new Cruze is a good place to be.
I usually battle to find a comfortable seating position in GMs products but this was not the care with the Cruze. There is more than enough range of motion to the seats and steering wheel to give you the desired feel you are going for.

Much of the switchgear is a GM parts bin raid but that’s not a bad thing, the controls are familiar for anyone who has driven a small GM car over the recent years. Steering controls cover the audio, telephone and cruise control functions.

The dashboard swoops down and is partially covered in the same fabric that coats the door cards and this adds a dimension of depth and texture.
GM’s MyLink system is familiar and user friendly however with the angled dashboard, the screen sits relatively far away, a minor criticism and frankly, nitpicking.

Engine

The gem in the ensemble is the 1.4-litre 4-cylinder motor that rests under the hood. This turbocharged Ecotech powerplant produces 103kW and 200Nm of torque which reads low but translates well on the move. The power is available from quite low down in the rev range and the motor seldom seems to feel strained. It’s a quiet mill too and absentminded drivers may find themselves sitting in a low gear with the revs high for longer than they would like, just due to the silent running nature of this motor.

Fuel consumption is respectable too. Chevrolet claims figures of 5.8-litres/100km but with a motor and chassis combination that urges you on, it’s hard to drive efficiently and the numbers we returned came in a little higher – oops!

Drive

As alluded to, the drive from the Cruze is engaging and fun. The throttle response is relatively quick for a small turbocharged motor and there is little encouragement needed to get the motor revving up and the speeds to the wrong side of the law.

They’ve somehow managed to find a comfortable balance between, well, comfort and sportiness and with the great seating position it’s an exciting car to drive. The steering feel is light enough to be comfortable at low speeds but weights up nicely as the needle climbs. The chassis feels planted and is confidence inspiring.

Sadly, after a fun drive, you climb out, see that back end and remember what you looked like on the road.
The Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS Hatch retails for R265 200 and is sold with a 3 year/ 60 000km service plan. The Cruze 1.4T LS Sedan, is R2 700 cheaper though.

**Prices at time of testing** - visit Chevrolet.co.za for current pricing.

 

Want to know more? Watch our video review here