As the replacement for the mediocre Chevy Cobalt, the front-drive 2011 Chevrolet Cruze offers perhaps the most dramatic example of the transition to "New GM," a product renaissance that began a couple of years before the automaker's financial problems. GM has never been able to make money on small cars, and yet it expects to make money on the Cruze four-door sedan.
At 181-inches long, 70.7-inches wide and 58.1-inches tall on a 105.7-inch wheelbase, it's on the large side of the compact car class, equal to a midsize car in such dimensions as trunk space, Chevy says. The car launched in Europe in early 2009 with the base, 1.8-liter four only, an engine that doesn't do much for performance.
Exterior
Raising the bar and turning heads
Cruze has a distinct look — one you won't see in other cars in its class. Its beveled hood, sharp angles and sculpted fenders are details generally reserved for luxury vehicles — but not anymore.
Interior
Generous room and comfort
Cruze only seems like a compact from the outside. Inside, it's a different story. The cavernous interior of Cruze not only has more passenger room than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but it also has more cargo space too. That's something to brag about, but Cruze chooses to go about things quietly in the interior. It's designed with 30 distinct acoustical treatments — including a triple-sealed, acoustic-laminated glass windshield — to create a serene interior.
Engine
Cruze Eco offers 42 MPG Highway
Cruze is very efficient already, offering 36 MPG highway(6). Introducing the newest member of the lineup - Cruze Eco - that offers an incredible 28 MPG city/42 highway(6). That's better gasoline fuel economy than 2011 Ford Focus, 2011 Honda Civic and 2010 Toyota Corolla(8). Cruze Eco is equipped with the powerful and efficient 1.4L turbocharged engine. Engineers then added new components to help reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
Sophisticated performance, ride and handling
How do you create an efficient car that's fun to drive? It has to start with the engine. The available 1.4L turbocharged engine is the ideal size — small yet powerful — designed for efficiency without compromising performance. It delivers 138 horsepower and accelerates with authority. Cruze takes on tight corners with rack-mounted electric power steering and a race-proven Z-link rear suspension(9). It's a driving experience you might not expect in a compact. And that's the point.
Fuel-saving technology no compact can compete with.
Cruze has solutions most compacts don't offer. Its standard six-speed transmissions, like the manual in Cruze LS, help offer 26 MPG city and 36 highway(6). Cruze LT and LTZ have a six-speed automatic transmission and the 1.4L turbo-charged engine - a performance increase that helps Cruze offer 36 MPG highway(6). Cruze Eco offers up to 42 MPG highway based on EPA estimates(7). That's better standard highway fuel economy than 2011 Ford Focus or 2011 Honda Civic and 2010 Toyota Corolla offer(8).
Performance & Handling
The Cruz ECO model has less sound-deadening than other versions, saving about 275 pounds. Its low-rolling resistance tires squeal easily in tight corners while its taller gearing lengthens its acceleration times. The Cruze LTZ with its standard 18-inch wheels is the sport sedan version, sacrificing some ride quality for sharp handling. The LT with the base suspension nicely compromises ride and handling.
Safety
Chevy claims a class-leading 10 airbags, including front, side curtain bags, front and rear outboard seat airbags, and knee bags, first in its class. StabiliTrak with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes is standard.
