NEW FOR 2015:
- Refreshed front-end styling
- Minor interior revisions
- Additional connectivity features including Siri Eyes Free, Text Message and OnStar 4G WiFi
Chevrolet’s compact Cruze has gone a long way to changing consumers’ impressions of what a small GM car can be. Its cabin offers solid build quality, it boasts advanced powertrains – including a turbodiesel – and its driving dynamics are European in nature. This should come as no surprise: not only is the Cruze Chevrolet’s bestseller in Canada, it’s also the brand’s top model worldwide.
Revised styling and a new front bumper bring the Cruze in line with the Malibu and Impala, and a few tweaks to the interior make it slightly more user-friendly with bigger cup holders, and reorganized switchgear. But this look won’t be around for too long – an all-new Cruze is set that arrive on dealership showrooms for 2016.
The Cruze is available with three different engines. The base LS comes with a simple, naturally aspirated 1.8-litre 16-valve four-cylinder that makes 138 hp and 125 lb-ft. Most Cruzes, however, come with a 1.4-litre 16-valve turbocharged motor. It too makes 138 hp, but the advantage is torque: 148 lb-ft, which is available at less than 2,000 rpm. There’s also the 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder which makes 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque – offered exclusively on the 2.0 TD model. 1.8 and 1.4-litre motors are paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; the 2.0 TD and top-line LTZ use the automatic exclusively.
The Cruze is offered in seven different grades of trim: 1LS, 2LS, 1LT, 2LT, Eco, LTZ, and 2.0 TD
In 1LS trim, features include OnStar with 4G WiFi connectivity, theft-deterrent system, body colour door handles, power mirrors, chrome beltline mouldings, 16-inch steel wheels, floor mats, driver information centre, map lights, remote keyless entry, power locks, tilt/telescopic steering, power windows with express-down all windows, manual 6-way driver/front passenger seats, cloth upholstery, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input, USB port, and satellite radio. Bluetooth is an optional extra.
2LS trim adds air conditioning.
1LT trim adds LED daytime running lights, heated body-colour mirrors, air filtration system, Bluetooth, MyLink infotainment system with 7-inch display, manual climate control, reverse camera, and cruise control. The Sun & Sound Package, adds power sliding sunroof and a 250-watt nine-speaker Pioneer sound system. The Sun, Sound, and Sport package builds on this with the RS Appearance Package featuring a body kit, uplevel instrument cluster with chrome trim rings, Z-Link rear axle, fog lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Eco trim adds six-speed manual ECO transmission with triple overdrive, Aero package (lower front grille with air shutters, air dam, underbody aero panels and rear spoiler), rear spoiler, tire repair kit (tire sealant and inflator kit, replaces spare tire), low-rolling-resistance tires, and 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
2LT trim adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, power sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheel with Bluetooth, cruise and audio controls, nine-speaker 250-watt Pioneer sound system, leather wrapped shifter, heated front seats, power 6-way driver seat, leather seating, illuminated vanity mirrors, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Key options include proximity key with push-button start, navigation, and an RS Appearance package featuring a body kit, uplevel instrument cluster with chrome trim rings, Z-Link rear axle, fog lamps, rear disc brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
2.0TD trim adds 2.0L turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, four-wheel disc brakes, six-speed automatic transmission, Aero package (lower front grille with air shutters, air dam, underbody aero panels and rear spoiler), rear spoiler, tire repair kit (replaces spare tire), and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Key options include navigation, premium sound system, power sunroof, and the Enhanced Safety Package that adds rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
LTZ trim adds (to 2LT) four-wheel disc brakes, six-speed automatic transmission, proximity key with push-button start, body-colour door handles with chrome strip, fog lights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, tire-pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, power sunroof, upgraded instrument cluster, illuminated vanity mirrors, and nine-speaker Pioneer premium audio with 250-watt amplifier.
