Driving impression: Chevrolet Cruze Hatch
Back in 2010 when I was at CAR magazine one of my colleagues had a Chevrolet Cruze as a long-term test car. I was still relatively new then and so did not have my own long-term test unit yet so I had to rely on my colleagues who would begrudgingly give me their “leftover” test cars for the weekend. The one that some of us tried to avoid driving for a weekend was this Cruze. And now I feel bad about that because after spending a week in the updated Cruze Hatch I am happy to report that I am now in favour of this once rather boring Toyota Corolla competitor.
The facelifted Cruze, both sedan and hatch, boast a new front and rear and have added a 1,4 turbo model mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to the sedan range. The interior sees a slight change with the addition of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system as standard on the LS models.
The Cruze hatch is offered with two engine options namely the 1,4-litre turbo petrol and the 1,6-litre naturally aspirated unit. The 1.4 turbo model mated to a manual transmission is fitted with stop/start technology for additional fuel economy and lower emissions. Combined fuel consumption for the manual is 5.8 l/100km, with CO² emissions measured at 135 g/km. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h.
The 1,6-litre petrol engine produces 86 kW of power @6 200 rpm and 155 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 6.7 l/100km with 158 g/km CO² emissions. 0 to 100 km/h is 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h.
The ride on this little hatch is comfortable and the gear shift is smooth. This isn’t a performance car and so it just needs to tick the right boxes when it comes to comfort and ease of drive…and it does. I enjoyed having this little guy for the week, it proved effortless to drive and after a day’s work having to maneuver through the city, it was a delight!
Pricing:
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 LS R248 300
Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS R265 200