Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze at a glance

The Cruze name first appeared on a small hatchback-crossover shown at the Tokyo motor show in 1999 and built from 2001 to 2008 for Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, where it was also sold as the Suzuki Ignis. The compact sedan known worldwide as the Cruze is a different car. Other Chevrolet models are listed in our Chevrolet catalogue; the brand's story is in Chevrolet's history.

Chevrolet Cruze generations

First generation (2008–2015)

The sedan was revealed in 2008; a hatchback and a wagon followed, and the car received two light facelifts, in 2012 and 2014. Changes around 2013 brought a new front bumper with a larger grille, redesigned fog lamps, new alloy wheels and chrome door handles.

The designers drew inspiration from classic Chevrolet muscle cars, and the front end is the most striking part: aggressive wedge-shaped headlights, a two-tier grille with a large badge and a sculpted bonnet with "frowning brows". The vertical surrounds of the fog lamps are the one detail that does not quite match. The sides are calmer, with muscular front arches and a coupé-like roofline; wheels are 16 or 17 inches, and ground clearance is 140 mm. The rear is far less aggressive, with large two-tone tail lights.

The cabin is attractive and modern. A three-spoke steering wheel with metal-look inserts faces instruments in stylish cowls with a trip computer. Better-equipped cars have a multifunction wheel and the MyLink infotainment system. The plastics look good but are hard to the touch; owners report solid assembly without squeaks or rattles. The front seats are well shaped with plenty of adjustment. Three people fit in the back, though two are more comfortable. The boot holds 450 litres and the rear seat folds 60/40; the wheel arches intrude slightly, and there is a full-size spare under the floor.

Gearboxes are a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The Delta II platform, also used by the Opel Astra J, has MacPherson struts with aluminium A-arms and hydraulic mounts at the front and an H-shaped twist beam at the rear. Disc brakes are fitted all round with ABS.

Base cars came with power steering, ABS, heated electric mirrors, front and side airbags, two electric windows, heated front seats, an audio system and 16-inch steel wheels. Higher trims added ESP, climate control, MyLink, a rear camera, parking sensors, electric windows all round, a multifunction steering wheel, leather on the wheel and gear knob, and 17-inch alloys.

Second generation (2015–2019 in North America)

The second Cruze was unveiled in the United States in June 2015 and went on sale in 2016. According to the designers, lessons from the first generation shaped every decision. Exterior design was led by David Lyon, who had also worked on the Volt, Corvette, Cadillac CTS and Escalade, and the car borrows styling cues from the larger Malibu and Impala. A narrow grille and LED headlights give it a predatory look above a large lower air intake. The smooth bonnet and roofline improve aerodynamics. An optional RS package adds a different grille and sills, a front splitter, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels.

Inside, materials moved close to premium level, with leather, quality fabrics, carbon-look and wood trim and metal accents, and almost no straight lines. Most functions are controlled through a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen. A 4.2-inch driver information display sits between the speedometer and rev counter. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach. The front seats are leather-trimmed and heated, with a wide range of adjustment. Rear space grew compared with the first generation, and the boot holds 450 litres.

Engines and transmissions (second generation)

At launch the second Cruze had a single petrol engine, with a diesel planned later: a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an aluminium block, direct injection, start/stop, variable valve timing and a package of friction-reducing measures. It produces 113 kW (153 PS) and 240 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 8 seconds and uses about 5.9 l/100 km. It is paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, driving the front wheels.

The new D2 platform is 113 kg lighter, while body stiffness increased by 27% thanks to hot-stamped steel. The front suspension uses aluminium MacPherson struts; lower versions have a twist-beam rear axle, while higher versions add a Watt's linkage. Steering is electrically assisted, and the brakes are discs all round (ventilated at the front) with ABS and stability control.

Key specifications

Safety

The first-generation Cruze achieved the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP. The second generation has ten airbags, ABS, StabiliTrak stability control with rollover mitigation and a forward-collision avoidance system. Collapsible pedals and a collapsible steering column protect the legs of the driver and front passenger, and the stiffer body improves passive safety. Standard equipment on the second generation includes MyLink with Android and iOS integration on a 7-inch capacitive screen, climate control, a heated steering wheel and front seats, a rear camera, an electronic parking brake and 15-inch steel wheels; options include an 8-inch system, wireless phone charging, navigation, OnStar with a Wi-Fi hotspot, power front seats, heated rear seats, tyre-pressure monitoring, automatic high beams and leather upholstery.

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners describe the Cruze as well made and comfortable, with modern, sporty styling, a quality cabin, good handling, decent performance and a reliable engine; many are still happy with their cars after five years. The second generation improved space, ergonomics and sound insulation. The main criticisms are limited rear-seat space and a modest engine output. Rivals include the Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato, Ford Focus, Renault Fluence, Opel Astra, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.