U.S. Production Chevy Cruze Unveiled

At the Detroit Auto Show this week, Chevrolet unveiled its Cruze, the replacement for the aging Cobalt compact car.  The Cruze shows great potential, with the latest tech features, increased sound deadening, good driving dynamics, fit and finish and quality of materials.  Chevy is touting a 500-mile range for the Cruze with the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which equates to 35 MPG highway, assuming a 14-gallon gas tank.  The rest of the details pretty much mirror what we Hail Mary: Chevrolet’s Cruze, cruising into L.A., so I’ll skip to the highlight reel:

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:

  • New family of efficient four-cylinder engines, including a 1.4L turbo and 1.8L
  • Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
  • Ten standard airbags, including frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear-seat side airbags and new knee airbags
  • Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
  • Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system
  • XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
  • MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension, with 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
  • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
  • Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
  • Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment

by John Suit

Source: General Motors