Engine
Chevrolet Cruze has been launched in the Indian market with the 2.0L litre diesel engine and no petrol variant has been announced as of now. The engine is the same 1991cc, 4 Cylinder, VCDi used in Chevrolet Captiva. It produces a maximum power of 150 Bhp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 327 Nm @ 2600 rpm. There is a 5 speed manual gear box with an automatic option available. The Cruze is a great highway roller but when it comes to cities there is a clink in the armor. At rpms close to 1800 there is a prominent lag and also the gap between the gear ratios can give you a hard time. But shifting is smoother and this is barely noticeable. According to ARAI the mileage is close 18.3 KMPL.
Design And Comfort
Chevrolet Cruze is the first GM model to be built on the latest Delta 2 platform. Its design is enchanting, dynamic and aggressive. Rain sensing vipers and an electric sunroof add to its uniqueness. Its unique sharp missile like look adds to its overall appeal and there is assertiveness about the design that will catch all the male gazing and female attention. The monocoque shell is constructed by using high-strength steel for the main load-bearing body parts which can resist high loads. The front is marked by the grill and the beautiful angular lights.
Interiors
The interiors are ultra spacious and can fit the expected load of five passengers with ease. The legroom, headroom and comfort are not compromised with at all. The seats are all adjustable and rear seat armrests assure maximum comfort. The front dashboard is the corvette inspired twin cockpit that will be featured in many of the upcoming Chevys. Now for the big surprise "PEPS" or Passive Entry, Passive Start. Doesn't sound interesting? Let me tell you what does. When you look for the keyhole to start the engine, there isn't one. It's got a keyless system and that's PEPS. All you need to do is keep the key fob on yourself, press the clutch and push a clumsily located start-stop button on the left of the steering wheel. The interiors mark down the car as the materials used are not up to the mark of its competitors. You might like the climate control, adjustable steering wheel and the on dash cd changer but they are not too surprising. But a large screen that displaying multiple functions and an on-board computer which calculates a range of parameters from average speed to real-time fuel consumption make it worthwhile.
Ride And Handling
The steering feels balanced and assuring while its lacks the feel of precision that its rival posses. But the overall ride quality on highways is good but on lower speeds the ride is stiff. Be careful, it's not so good at changing directions at high speed. But the steering is good and can be handy in city conditions both for riding and parking.
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Safety
There are big disc brakes all around though. Indian cars also have specially developed JK Vectra tires with a softer sidewall to improve the secondary ride or comfort over sharp ridges and ruts. The fuel tank is mounted low between the rear wheels for protection during a heavy rear impact. Extra safety features include a collapsible pedal box, ABS and two airbags.
Chevrolet Cruze Price, Variants And Color
Cruze is available in two variants LT (base model) and LTZ with LTZ also having an option of Automatic Transmission. Cruze comes in six different colours Velvet Red, Atlantis Blue, Light Gold, Olympic White, Misty Lake and Caviar Black. The prices range from Rs. 11, 52, 254 for the base model to Rs. 13, 95, 982 for the top variant. (All prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
Chevrolet Cruze Mileage
A luxury sedan introduced with both manual and automatic transmissions, Chevrolet Cruze delivers an average mileage of 17-19 kmpl.
