The last year Chevrolet offered the Cruze model locally as a new model was in 2017, by the end of that year Chevrolet ceased its operations in South Africa as General Motors pulled out of the country. Isuzu was the only brand to remain locally, however, after being acquired by the PSA Group now known as Stellantis, Opel also made a return to local shores.
The Chevrolet Cruze comes in both sedan and hatchback variants and offers both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines to its customers. While these models are no longer available as a new vehicle locally, it sure makes a strong case for itself and used Chevrolet Cruze models on AutoTrader should seriously be considered if you are looking for your next family vehicle.
1. Design
Although the design of the Chevrolet Cruze is starting to show its age, it remains a stylish vehicle with aggressive lines. Most notable on the design front is the sharp headlamp clusters that flow up and into the sculpted bonnet and front fenders. This leads the eye to the prominent shoulder line extending the length of the vehicle. In each corner, customers will find 16-inch alloy wheels which fill the wheel wells.
Both front and rear light clusters retain halogen lamps which might not be as bright or clear as LEDs but make them easy and affordable to replace when the time comes. The interior, however, does feature LED lamps behind the instrument cluster for crisp and clear lettering. The instrument cluster also offers drivers an information display to access a variety of vehicle information.
Centrally on the dash features a basic infotainment system compatible with Radio, CD, MP3 and auxiliary playback. The system also offers Bluetooth pairing as standard equipment on the LS derivatives. While air conditioning was fitted as standard, owners could option a climate control system.
2. Safety
At the disposal of the driver is ABS brakes, bolstered with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist systems. To keep the vehicle in check, Chevrolet also incorporated both electronic stability control and traction control systems as standard equipment. This focus on safety can also be seen in the airbag department as the Chevrolet Cruze came fitted with no less than six airbags.
While the driver benefitted from a cruise control system as standard to combat fatigue, items such as rear park distance sensors were only available as an optional extra. Other notable safety features include side-impact reinforcement in the doors as wells as an alarm system with an immobilizer.
3. Drivetrains
If you are considering more recent examples of the Chevrolet Cruze models, you have an option between two engine configurations. Older variants offered more engine options but we will be focussing on the more recent options as they offer better efficiency and is easier to come by.
| Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T | Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T AT | Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 | |
| Engine | 1.4-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 1.4-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Power | 103 kW | 103 kW | 86 kW |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 200 Nm | 155 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 9.3s | 10.4s | 12.8s |
| Top speed | 195 km/h | 204 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 5.8 L / 100 km | 6.8 L / 100 km | 6.7 L / 100 km |
| CO2 emission | 185 g/km | 185 g/km | 191 g/km |
*This table was completed with information sourced from www.diskdrive.co.za
