In this article:
Who is the Chevrolet Cruze a good car for?
What is the Chevrolet Cruze like to drive?
Tech features in the Chevrolet Cruze
Similar cars to the Chevrolet Cruze
Is the Chevrolet Cruze a good car?
The Chevrolet Cruze is a good car but parts are becoming increasingly hard to find. However, given how inexpensive used models are, I would do my homework first and find out exactly how difficult it would be to source those parts. Contact:
These establishments all offer aftersales servicing on Chevrolet products. Click on the links above to get in touch with them.
Who is the Chevrolet Cruze a good car for?
The Cruze is spacious and safe, making it ideal for families or anyone looking for a bit of extra space. It's available as a hatch and a sedan, but the hatchbacks are decidedly more scarce.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze a good first car?
Given its safety credentials, and relatively inexpensive repair and servicing costs, it's quite a decent buy for a new driver. The 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is fuel-efficient, but so is the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine. If you're lucky, you may even be able to find one with a frugal diesel powertrain, but given the quality of our diesel in SA, the chances of things going wrong are higher.
Related: Which Chevrolet Cruze is better - diesel or petrol?
Before buying, however, make sure that the expensive work has all been carried out or your Cruze may become a pricey headache later on when a cambelt has to be replaced, for example. I would put money aside and purchase a good warranty and service plan for future repairs. This is a must on all older, out-of-warranty cars.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze a good family car?
Yes, it's good for families. All Cruze models are equipped with five three-point seatbelts and six standard airbags. Safety seats for children can be secured using the ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats.
"To help the driver avoid accidents, the Cruze also comes packed with advanced active safety systems which include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps the driver maintain control in challenging driving situations and keeps the vehicle heading in the intended direction. It also enables more precise, controlled anti-lock braking performance as well as exceptional traction and steering stability
- Traction Control which limits wheel spin when one or both of the front drive wheels begin to lose traction
- Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The latter proportions brake pressure during braking." - Chevrolet SA
Is there a hybrid model?
No.
What’s it like to drive?
Reviewer's opinion
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 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. Its mannerisms at highways speeds are solid enough with steering weight suitable for these speeds; it presents minimal tracking and feels stable and planted.
- Staff writer, AutoTrader
What does it look like?
It was never going to win any beauty contests, but it's not ungainly either. 2015's enhancements (see the hatch and sedan below) definitely helped to make the Cruze more desirable.
What is the Chevrolet Cruze like inside?
The interior build quality is decent and the layout is ergonomic. Standard features are quite generous too.
Tech features
The LS models of the 2015 Cruze now also benefit from interior enhancements such as the Chevrolet Mylink Infotainment system with Colour Connected Radio (CCR) as standard equipment. - Staff writer, AutoTrader
Price
Which is the cheapest Chevrolet Cruze?
We searched AutoTrader and found pre-loved Cruze models that are well under R100 000.
Search AutoTrader for the latest pre-loved Chevrolet Cruze deals in South Africa from the most affordable to the most expensive
Competitors
Similar Cars to the Chevrolet Cruze sedan
Volkswagen Jetta
Read all Volkswagen Jetta news and advice here
Search AutoTrader for used VW Jetta models for sale in South Africa
Honda Civic hatch and sedan
Read all Honda Civic news and advice here
Search AutoTrader for used Honda Civic hatchbacks and sedans for sale in South Africa
Ford Focus sedan and hatch
Read all Ford Focus news and advice here
Search the latest used Ford Focus hatchbacks and sedans for sale in South Africa
