The Cruze has been refreshed for 2015 and now boasts a new fascia which includes a new grille, new projector-type front fog lights and, for the first time on this model, LED daytime running lights for a more premium appearance.
At the rear, there’s a new bootlid on the sedan and a new, more sophisticated two-piece tail-light cluster for both the sedan and hatch variants. Completing the look are new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the LS derivatives now have Chevrolet’s Mylink infotainment system and Colour Connected Radio as standard, with a seven-inch touchscreen featuring icon-based menus similar to an iPad, as well as voice recognition via your phone and a CD player.
The plastic and fabric interior may not be the greatest nor even have a soft touch, but one can feel the quality and the fit and finish cannot be criticised.
You can have your choice of either a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four, rated for 86kW at 6 200 revs and 155Nm at 4 000rpm, or the turbocharged 1.4T LS which generates 200Nm of torque and 103 kW between 4 900 and 6 000rpm, making for seamless power delivery when needed.
The 1.4 turbo auto has the highest top speed of all the models in the range, topping off at 204 km/h with a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 10.4 seconds.
New for 2015, however, is a six-speed automatic transmission with manual override for the range-toping 1.4T LS sedan, alongside the existing six-speed manual, bringing the range up to two hatch and four sedan models.
The 1.4 turbo models matted to the manual transmission are 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 in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h.
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze continues the brand’s emphasis on providing the safest family cars possible and has earned top five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Key to the safety performance of the Cruze is a body structure, which is amongst the stiffest in its class. This taut and strong structure is fundamental to the suppression of noise, vibration and harshness, as well as providing a high level of occupant safety in the event of a collision.
The steering feels crisp and supple, while the ride is surprisingly comfortable and solid even on less forgiving roads. The turbo 1.4 can get a bit excitable, but only when coaxed. Otherwise it remains a restrained family van on schools runs and in town.
Pricing hovers in the mid N$200 000 range for most models and this alone makes the Cruze is a definite must to test-drive for those looking for an affordable family car. It’s well specced, looks good and won’t break your bank any more than your first experience buying nappies will.
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