Chevrolet Cruze
Maxabout Review
Are You Ready To Cruze
Sunday, February 15, 2009Chevrolet India has shaked the D-Segment with the launch of its flagship sedan - The Cruze. It is expected that Cruze is going to beat the likes Skoda Laura, Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Sonata Transform & Honda Accord. Chevrolet chosed the best time for the launch of Cruze which was around Diwali in 2009 and bagged around 1100 booking at the time of launch. Chevrolet India dont want to loose any customers in India and want to show that India is very important and special market for them especially after they have gone bankrupt in USA. The Chevrolet Cruze is the first vehicle to use GM's revamped Delta 2 platform, an architecture that is also used on other GM small cars around the globe, including replacements for the Chevrolet HHR, Opel Zafira and its related siblings. The Cruze's bodywork carries a design vocabulary that is incorporated into all vehicles across the globe that carry the Chevy bowtie.
GM India also launched an automatic variant of the Chevrolet Cruze. The AT Cruze is available in LTZ trim and features a 6 speed tip-tronic transmission. Other then the AT badging and the AT gearbox, there is no visual difference in the Cruze AT.
Update: New Chevrolet Cruze with all-black interiors
Chevrolet India has launched the new 2011 Cruze which features all-black interiors. They have also created a profile on facebook - 'guess who is back in black'. It is expected that this will help the company in improving the sales of Cruze in India. The new Cruze with black interiors is costly by 16000 rupees than the 2010 model of Cruze.
Design & Style Of Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze is seriously a looker - the best part is huge front grille which is in 2 portion dominated by Chevrolet's new logo in centre. Chevrolet Cruze features a dramatic re-interpretation of the traditional sedan featuring Chevrolet's new global design language that is becoming a signature on all new products carrying the gold bowtie. Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Chevrolet Cruze has a purposeful stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Noticeably tight body panel fits and a restrained use of exterior trim add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance. Chevrolet Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Distinct Design Features Of Chevrolet Cruze includes Concave Shoulder Line, Dual Port Front Grille, Dynamically Shaped Headlamps, Chrome Finished Door Handles, 'Wheels-Out/Body-In' Stance and 'Twin Cockpit' Design Motif.
Interiors & Comfort Features Of Chevrolet Cruze
The interior is well-proportioned and the sculpted seats offer good support. It's surprisingly quiet in the cabin too which is a good indicator of build quality. The interiors appear very attractive with dual tone beige dashboard and leather covered upholstery. It's stylish dashboard that is packed with lots of advanced instruments and beige upholstery makes it interior more stylish. The Cruze oozes quality, even down to well chosen instruments - including those that have come from the much more expensive Vauxhall Insignia. There shouldn't be any reliability issue to speak of and the use of soft touch materials throughout should mean there's less chance of creaks and rattles.
All the models of Cruze will be packed with advanced integrated Blaupunkt RDS Radio/CD player with MP3 CD capability with Six CD Changer audio system with six integrated speakers that offer high class entertainment. Its advanced audio system will be available with MP3 Auxiliary Input Jack and with USB Socket to connect devices like pen drive, mobile phones etc. The audio controls will be mounted on steering wheel so that there will be no need to distract your eyes from road to operate audio system.
Ride & Handling Of Chevrolet Cruze
The front wheels of Cruze will be packed with large ventilated disc brakes while its rear wheels will be packed with solid drum brakes. Its larger diameter disc brakes de-accelerate the car quickly. ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) resists car to skid out of control in case of emergency braking. Although GM engineers claim that they have been able to optimize this design for both accurate handling and a comfortable ride, it's surprising that the Cruze doesn't feature independent rear suspension like the global Ford platform used for the Mazda 3.
Engine Of Chevrolet Cruze - 2 Litre VCDi Diesel Engine
For time being Chevrolet India has launched Cruze with diesel engine and manual transmission only, which is a 1991cc 4 Cylinder VCDi diesel engine. This engine generates maximum power of 148 Bhp at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 327 Nm @ 2600 rpm. It is expected that Chevrolet will also launch Cruze in petrol which will be powered by a new 1.8 litre petrol engine.
Fuel Consumption/Mileage Of Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze is expected to return around 17-18 kmpl on highway and 13-14 kmpl in city driving conditions. The company claims that the car would give a mileage of 18.3 kilometre per litre, according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) standards.
Safety Features Available In Chevrolet Cruze
Active safety features includes Dual Front SRS Airbags that offers safety in case of collision, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Electronic Stability Control. Passive safety features includes Side Impact Beams, Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts, Front Seatbelts with Pretensioner, 3x3 Point Rear Seatbelts, Warning Lamp for Driver Seatbelt, Front Seatbelt Reminder, Height Adjustable Headrest with Tilting Function, Knee Protector, ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint System (2nd row outer rear), Child Locks and Central Locking.
Variants Of Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze is available in 2 variants:
- Chevrolet Cruze LT
- Chevrolet Cruze LTZ
- Chevrolet Cruze Automatic
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ comes with some extra features like chrome finish door handles, electric sunroof, chrome garnish, In-dash 6 CD changer, rear parking assist, rain sensing wipers, power foldable and heated outside rear view mirrors, leather upholstery, cruise control and engine start/stop push button. Both the variants are available with 3 Year Or 100000 Km Warranty Package.
Official Chevrolet Accessories For Cruze
If you dont want to spend more for the LTZ variant of Cruze then you can upgrade the LT variant by installing some accessories as Chevrolet India has also launched a series of official accessories for Cruze. It includes:
- Chrome Finish Caps For Outside Rear View Mirrors
- Chrome Finish Garnish For Tail Lamps
- Illuminated Door Sill Plates
- Weather Guard In Chrome Finish. Smoke Finish Also Available
- Chrome Finish Garnish For C-Pillar
- Leather Cover For The Steering Wheel
- Splash Guard Set or Mud Guards
- Full Car Protective Cover
- Leather Seat Covers
- Foot Mats & Boot Mat
- Reverse Parking Sensor Assist System
- Outside Rear View Mirror Turn Indicators
- Global Positioning System
- In-Car Refrigerator
Shades Available In Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet India has launched Cruze in six shades in India.
- Atlantis Blue
- Light Gold
- Velvet Red
- Olympic White
- Mystic Lake
- Caviar Black