- Funky front-end styling
- Stonking performance; most powerful diesel sedan (in this segment. 0 - 100 in 9.8s)
- Solid build quality
- High level of standard equipment (top variant)
- Respectable fuel efficiency at all times
- Excellent braking ability
- Excellent Fit and Finish (exterior)
- Price (10.99 for LT and 12.45 for LTZ ex showroom Delhi) dsegcars.xls
What you won't:
- Significant Turbolag (annoying in bumper-to-bumper traffic)
- Interior space not class leading. Cosy for the C+ segment
- Interior fit & finish have rough edges
- Firm ride at low speeds
- Aggressive clutch pedal (return action)
Reported Fuel Efficiency:
- 10.7 (City) / 14.5 (Highway)
The Cruze LT variant pricing starts at 10.99 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.
• 3 year / 100,000 kms warranty is standard.
• "Chevy promise" : Service costs will not exceed Rs. 36,000 total over the first three years. Service interval at every 10,000 kms.
• 60 liter fuel tank will ensure a realistic 700 - 800kms highway range. ARAI fuel efficiency = 18.3 kpl.
• We Indians are the first in Asia (after Korea) to get this car. Not even launched in Thailand which is the normal place for first launch.
• No matter how you wring her, or how much you floor the right pedal, she will always manage 10+ kpl!
• Indians love chrome. And the Cruze has dollops of it, inside out!
• Actually a replacement for the Optra worldwide. Sold as the “Holden Cruze” in Australia. Already on sale in Europe. North-American debut expected next year.
• The reverse light is disappointing (brightness), but the parking sensors make up.
• Clutch lock system : Engine won’t start until clutch is pressed.
• One of the most well built cars in the segment with excellent exterior fit and finish. On the flip side, interior fit and finish are so-so.
• No beige interiors!
• Boot size = 450 liters.
• The gearshift is smooth, especially by GM standards. Not quite Jap-slick though.
• On the highway, this car is a rocket, and in the city, even a snail will feel better. If you want to experience Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is the car.
• As long as you stand near the car, anybody can open anything (boot, doors, fuel lid etc.,). Not sure if this is a good feature to have in India!
• GM sells the Cruze with traction control in most markets (not offered here). Indian variant could have used it, what with all that torque going to the front wheels!
• Even though the engine itself is not very big, the compact dimensions ensure a cramped engine bay. Lift the heavy well-insulated bonnet, and you realize there is no hydraulic auto lift. There is no light inside either, which means that in the dark, you struggle to find where exactly to hook the long support bar in. The engine bay looks neat, albeit cramped. All parts are marked properly and reek of quality.
• The windscreen washer has three jets instead of normal 2. A nice touch.
• Engine feels very petrol-like at speed.
• Brakes are amongst the best in class.
• The central cubbyholes cum cup holders can’t really hold a coffee cup when the Cruze is in motion. Strange. If there is one thing American companies get right, its the cup holders
• Kit levels rival those of cars in much higher segment.
• Due to the cosy interiors, the center armrest cum storage bin (which sits underneath) has been put in such a position that it’s unusable by the driver. And is of limited use to the front passenger as well.
• Italian engine maker VM Motori has designed this 2.0 common-rail diesel.
• An after-market powerbox for the Captiva results in 170 BHP + 370 NM of torque. We’re already getting ideas!
• Expect 3 year standard warranty coverage.
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