•Mark Musutu For many years Chevrolet’s parent Company General Motors Corporation (GM) was the world’s leader in the auto industry but then it fell in second place to Toyota.
Many analysts attributed the global economic downturn and inefficiencies but generally speaking times were turbulent for all car makers, leading many to close shop, merge or sell their brands.
After this shaking up of the industry GM declared war on product and manufacturing inefficiency. GM has been transformed into a streamlined corporation with a higher emphasis on research and development. It’s clear they have taken a bottom to top approach, being more aggressive at the bottom as they steadily improve high end products. GM even took bold steps such as discontinuing some production lines like the Oldsmobile and selling off others like the Hummer brand and it is now directing its forces into the stronger Chevrolet, Cadillac and GM models.
At present, the writing is on the wall and the Chevrolet Cruze is one such a result of GM’s recovery path and plot to reclaim first place. When I first saw the Cruze, it was love at first sight. It has a very distinct face and design theme and razor sharp styling. It would have been called Chevrolet Blade as it echoes the Camaros of past and present. It looks like it can slice through anything in its path. Taking time to understand it I can see inspiration from other American greats such as Pontiac and Oldsmobiles of the past – it has the American spirit.
The cruise is a direct lash against the Toyota Corolla.
The interior also emphasises its theme of razor sharp styling cues – the dash and fascia are a symmetrical and stylish mix of display, buttons and dials. Seats are clothed in leather with bright stitches that echo a sporty Nascar type theme. The legendary Chevrolet label alone is one that will spark some nostalgia. I was quick to insert my device in the USB port and turn up the volume. If you ever spend some time with me you will notice I love sunroofs and I certainly didn’t hesitate to open this one, as I reclined in to a near perfect and comfortable sitting position.
At the drivers disposal are a host of features that include; a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay also makes an appearance, as does Android Auto. Both will display your Smartphone’s navigation on the screen – keeping your eyes closer to the road and farther away from your phone. The Cruze has all other packages that can be termed as standard in car technology and driver aids.
Hitting the road I found the Cruze to be very mature. It’s not a nippy car but has decent pep and as the Cruze name goes, it’s a cruiser indeed. Not a sprinter, though, when dared, it will dart at an impressive pace (0-100 km/h in 8 seconds) and as you climb up to the fourth gear you can feel an ease or grace, something telling you that the car simply enjoys long runs. I have found something common in many American cars; they are cruisers, and that’s very comely because of inter-state travelling unlike us who don’t often drive extra expansive distances across multiple borders. The Chevrolet Cruze is a combination of a small urban mover and a larger cross country tourer (it certainly does long distance gracefully).
Chevrolet ditched the multiple power plants available in the previous generation Cruze, instead settling on the capable 1.4-litre turbocharged I4. Rated at 153 hp at 5600 rpm and 177 lb-ft from 2000-4000 rpm, the Cruze isn’t the most potent power plant in its class, but it isn’t at the bottom of the pack either. The turbocharged engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or the six-speed torque-converter automatic. There will be a diesel, and maybe a future performance package. Expectations are very high for this car as enthusiasts and analysts are seeing it as a baby Camaro or the Camaro of the compact cars.
To qualify to be a cruiser, more than adequate comfort is a must.
There’s nothing worse than an uncomfortable long journey. There’s just something about the Cruze that will make you want to drive it further, faster and longer. With great ride and handling thanks to improved lateral grip generated by the tires with the extra lateral stiffness of the Watts link you get greater cornering precision and authority. A notable improvement on ride quality.
Cruz certainly seems to be GM’s answer to the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic. It’s loaded with high tech goodies and is an awesome package. If you are out for something sweet, mature, innovative and an impressive runner, something as smart as the east with the comfort of the west, the Chevy Cruze is your best bet.
