10:00 pm, November 10, 2011
The Cruze saloon is attractive but too niche for Chevrolet. Now a five-door hatchback has arrived. JAMES BATCHELOR reports
WHAT IS IT?
Chevrolet has high hopes for this car. The Cruze has become the most successful Chevy around the world in recent years, but the UK arm of the business has been crying out for a five- door version – and this is it. While the c-segment’s top names like the Focus and Astra now cost serious money, the Cruze hatchback comes to the sector boasting low prices and decent spec.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
UK buyers will be able to choose from a simple range of two petrols and one diesel. The 124bhp, 1.6-litre petrol is gutless and has to be pushed hard, while the 1.8 petrol is far more acceptable. However, the 2.0-litre diesel is the best, providing decent performance for not a lot of money.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
They may have very American names, but the specs are very European – and generous too. The range begins with the LS 1.6-litre petrol for £13,995 which comes with air con, follow- me-home lights, and electric and heated mirrors. But this is the Cruze’s trump card – the top of the range LTZ Executive Pack 2.0-litre diesel, which has heated leather seats and sat-nav, only costs £19,295.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Cruze’s main selling point is offering a lot of car for the money, but it’s in the handling department where the car falters. While it’s perfectly acceptable on the motorway and easy to drive in the city, show the Cruze a country road and it becomes flustered. The steering lacks any type of feel often appearing worryingly light while turning. That said, the ride is very good even on 17-inch alloys.
WHAT DO THE PRESS SAY?
Autoblog agreed that the 2.0-litre diesel is the only engine to really go for and praised the interior look and design. Autocar also agreed adding buyers ‘will save thousands on the purchase price’. Honest John liked the value-for-money proposition but felt the looks were less distinctive than the saloon, and the quality of construction was not on par with its rivals.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
We’re fans of the Cruze saloon as, like the Skoda Octavia, it offers something a little unusual. The hatchback version of the Cruze has lost some of its individuality in order to become more mainstream and the looks have suffered for that. However, for the majority of retail and fleet buyers, this won’t matter and the car will score highly with them by offering good spec and good prices.
