Thanks to Chevrolet's truly global development, design effort and unrelenting testing, Cruze has overturned the status quo among compact cars. Along the way, Cruze has won an array of prestigious international awards, from Europe's AutoBest 2010 honours to the 2011 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year right here in Canada. Here are some of the reasons why Cruze has made such a powerful impact in such a short period of time.
Needless to say, in this era of high gas prices, competition for best-in-class fuel efficiency is intense. Chevrolet's engineers were determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for a new standard. That search extended beyond the fuel savings of the available 1.4L ECOTEC® turbo engine with its combustion optimizing Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Cruze Eco set its best-in-class 4.6L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating**** by employing innovative engineering, such as the first-in-its-class† automatic air shutter system behind the front grille. It opens at low speeds to cool the engine and closes at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The problem: how do you engineer real power into a fuel-efficient, small displacement engine? Chevrolet answers with a definite difference-maker among affordable compact cars: turbo power — something you may associate with expensive European cars running on premium fuel. Cruze brings it down to earth with the 1.4L ECOTEC® turbo four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that's standard on Cruze LT Turbo, LT Turbo+, LTZ Turbo and Eco models. It delivers a high level of torque across a wide rpm range for added acceleration and passing power. And Cruze's turbo engine features minimal turbo lag and runs on regular gasoline.
The six million kilometres Cruze endured in real-world testing took it to some very remote places featuring some of the harshest conditions anywhere on this planet — from scorching desert to the top of some of the world's highest mountain passes. What was learned in the frigid temperatures of Kapuskasing, Ontario and in the muddy tracks of Thailand helped make Cruze what it is today — an award-winning compact car that delivers in so many unexpected ways. A car that's taken its class by storm, yet is backed by the confidence of its rigorous testing and a 5-year/160,000 km Powertrain Component Limited Warranty.**
Cruze has elevated the standard for compact cars, not just with fuel efficiency and safety — but also the quality of its driving experience. That begins with a sporty dual cockpit design and spaciousness that is more typical of a mid-size sedan. The comfort level is raised by standard 6-way adjustable front bucket seats. Available Bluetooth® mobile phone connectivity and an available USB port add to the convenience. Then factor in a remarkably quiet ride that is the product of triple-seal doors, a laminated windshield, and hydraulic engine mounts. The result was summed up by the Toronto Star in June, 2011, describing Cruze's "exceptionally quiet cabin, refined ride and quality interior." Cars.com weighed in: "One of the highest compliments you can pay a car is to say it feels more expensive than it is, and that's the case with the Cruze..."
Start with 10 standard airbags — more than any competitor in its class.† Add in standard driver control features like StabiliTrak®, 4-wheel ABS, and traction control. Take into account the peace of mind of the standard OnStar® system and its Automatic Crash Response. Take note of the 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick†† and a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.‡ It all adds up to best-in-class safety.†
** Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See your dealer for details.
****2012 Cruze Eco equipped with 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption ratings based on GM testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods and Natural Resources Canada's 2011 Fuel Consumption Ratings for the Compact Car class. Excludes hybrid and diesel models. Your actual fuel consumption may vary.
† Based on WardsAuto.com 2011 Upper Small Car segment and latest competitive information available at time of posting. Airbag inflation can cause severe injury or death to anyone too close to the airbag when it deploys. Be sure every occupant is properly restrained.
†† For more information, visit iihs.org/ratings
‡ US Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov).
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