 |
Chevrolet Cruze LT |
Snapshot Hot Cars 2010 |
 |
|
 |
|
| Specifications: |
|
|
Test Vehicle: Chevrolet Cruze LT
Base Price: 11,25,030 (Ex showroom Delhi)
Engine Type: 2.0-litre, 16 Valves, SOHC, VCDi, VGT diesel engine
Engine Size and Type: 1,991cc
Engine Max Power: 150PS at 4,000rpm
Engine Torque: 327Nm at 2,600rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Drive System: FWD
Max Speed: NA
Fuel Economy (city): NA
|
|
Fuel Economy (highway): NA
Length: 4,597mm
Width: 1,788mm
Wheelbase: 2,685mm
Height: 1,477mm
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: NA
Ground Clearance: 165mm
Kerb Weight : NA
Warranty: NA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The lower D segment of the Indian automobile market is home to some of the most revered, iconic and aesthetically appealing cars in the country. With immense aspirational values attached to them, the sedans from the segment do a booming business, well most of them. And when it comes to lower D segment cars, no extolment is complete without the mention of the Chevrolet Cruze. Launched in India in 2009, the Cruze is easily one of the hottest sedans not only its segment, but in the entire market today.
First produced in Japan in 2001, the Cruze began its life as a compact crossover manufactured by Suzuki under a joint venture with GM. The Cruzes' existence has spanned two generations and two unrelated vehicles. Codenamed J300, the second iteration of the Cruze cost a whopping US$4 billion and over 27 months to be developed. Built on the GM Delta II platform, the development program involved a global engineering and design team.
The Chevrolet Cruze is perhaps one of the most radically designed sedans in the Indian market today and is an eye-catcher by all means. Distinguished by the bold and menacing two-tier radiator grille with the Chevy bowtie and the dual Bezel design headlamps, the Cruzes' face is highly aggressive and enamouring at the same time. There is a definitive sporty and coupe like undertone to the sedan that emanates from the steeply raked windscreen which merges effortlessly with the arching roofline which in turn flows beautifully into the sloping rear pillars. The posterior however is quite run of the mill compared to the front and the flanks and features Honda Civic like split-design tail lamps and the trademark chrome strip that runs between the two tail lamps just atop the registration plate slot.
The Chevrolet Cruze is the kind of car that makes an impression at first glance. It is extremely handsome, albeit in a menacing way and is definitely one of the most if not the most visually pleasing cars in its segment. The Cruze is also the widest, longest and biggest sedan among all its competitors.
The interior of the Cruze greatly compliments the sporty and bold exterior and has been built on a new design philosophy. The cockpit has been inspired by that of the Chevrolet Corvettes' and reaches a new high in terms of style and sophistication. The futuristic instrument console and integrated center stack with its LED lit instrument controls, 6-CD changer entertainment system, graphic infotainment display and flashy climate and aircon controls quite easily forms the focal point of the interior. The visual appeal is also heightened by the copious amount of chrome that is on display in the centre console, gearshift as well as in the sporty three-spoke steering wheel.
The Chevrolet Cruzes' long wheelbase and wide stance translates into a capacious interior with enough space to accommodate five adults. Legroom and kneeroom is at an optimum level, however, due to the slanting roofline rear headroom is at a premium.
The level of equipments, features and gadgets the Chevy Cruze possesses is one of the best in its class. While the comfort and convenience level is enhanced by features such as automatic climate control, air quality control, cruise control, multi-functional steering, integrated audio system and rear parking sensors, safety is more or less taken care of by the presence of front dual airbags, ABS, and last but not the least, front and side impact beams. The Cruze has been put through its share of crash tests and has been given a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.
GM's newest sedan in the country also features an engine start/stop button and a keyless entry system with sensors installed on the door. So as long as one has the key in his hands or in the pocket for that matter the door will open at the tug of the handle. Locking the doors is a rather simple affair as well, as all one has to do is to pull the door handle gently.
As of now, the Cruze is available in a single engine format and three variants- LT, LTZ and LTZ A/T. The 2.0-litre VCDi diesel engine powering the Cruze generates a whopping 150PS of maximum power and a torque of 327Nm available at 2600rpm. The 1991cc engine features a variable geometry turbocharger, which makes the engine very responsive and nippy. The Cruzes' acceleration rate is rather brisk and the car is at its prime on the highway, as is evident from the slight turbo-lag that is experienced in slow traffic conditions. While the LT and LTZ version is available in a 5-speed manual transmission, the top-end model boasts of an automatic gearshift.
When it comes to fuel-efficiency the Chevy Cruze is head and shoulders ahead of its competition. As per ARAI test results, the manual version boasts of a mileage of 18.3kms to a litre of petrol while the automatic variant delivers a generous 14.12kmpl.
The Cruze is produced at GM's Halol plant and retails for Rs. 11,25,030 (ex showroom Delhi) for the base LT version and Rs. 12,89,019 ( ex showroom Delhi) for the LTZ. The top-end LTZ Automatic sports a price tag of Rs. 13,70,361 (ex showroom Delhi).
The Chevrolet Cruze according to the top-brass at GM is one of the most important cars ever manufactured by the company and has a lot depending on its broad shoulders. To be candid, for a company that is trying to regain lost ground after a shocking collapse, the Chevrolet Cruze is just the kind of car that will help them get back on its feet. It is a winner. Period.
|
|
|
|
