Chev Cruze

I was recently priviledged enough to attend the KZN launch of the all new Chevvy Cruze. A car that GM South Africa view as of utmost importance to the brand. Furthermore this is considered the first truly global car to wear the symbolic bowtie. Quite a big deal then…so I’m not entirely sure how I cracked the nod, but hey there is such a thing as a free lunch in this business so I grabbed at the opportunity.

Monday morning I headed off up the road to the Zimbali Coastal Resort to meet the guys from Chevrolet. After a quick bite and a cup of coffee (which I enjoyed alone in the corner considering I don’t know a single one of the other KZN journalists) we went off for a short presentation, before being let loose in the country side for a bit of a cruise. (Excuse the pun – which is of great amusement to the blokes from Chev)

Now there were a few interesting points that came from this presentation. Firstly, the Cruze is based largely on the Opel Astra, sharing a floorplan and engine. Which provides me with some confidence given that the Astra has proved itself as a pretty decent vehicle. Then they said something that worried me a little. Namely that Chevrolet are attempting to create a brand DNA the roots of which are firmly planted in the company’s American heritage.

Now as you know, American’s are as good at producing cars as they are at losing weight. And given that they are by FAR the most overweight nation on earth you can imagine how catasrophically bad their car manufacturers must be. Fortunately my worries were promptly quelled when we were informed that the Cruze was only styled like an American and then built by proper engineers from the likes of the UK and Germany.

There was some rattling on about pricing in the sector (details below) and the competition – None of which was all that interesting. My ears picked up again when I heard mention of a performance model based on the awesome looking World Touring Car. However sadly enough GM will not be bringing one out to South Africa.

Anyway enough rambling. Setting aside the Lumina, the Cruze is undoubtedly the best looking car in the Chev line up at the moment, not that there was much competition, but it really is good looking. The entire front end has quite an aggressive stance which is accentuated by the headlights. The rear end falls down a bit but fortunately it’s only something the guy behind you will ever notice.

The interior is what shocked me most. I figured that the Cruze would share the same horrible blandness that blankets the likes of the Aveo, along with materials that would be more at home in an out-house than a car. None of that, no sir. The Cruze punches far above it’s weight in this department. Notice the matching leather on the dash? A very nice touch. Best part though, the seats. Certain manufacturers seems to think that a good core workout is something you need while going around a corner. Chev got this one right with good side bolsters that keep you in the driving seat, as opposed to sitting on the passengers lap.

When it comes to the business of driving, I wouldn’t dream of buying the automatic as there just isn’t enough power to overcome the inadequacies of the gearbox. The manual though is perfectly acceptable, quiet and overall surprisingly refined. Cruising (yes calm down it’s not that funny) is particularly comfortable. Handling, hmmm, not so refined I’m afraid. There’s no real sense that when you turn the wheel you’ll definitely make it round the corner. You keep having to adjust due to the lack of precision and feel – like a blind chap trying to find his toothbrush in the morning, he knows it’s there somewhere but he has to feel around a bit.

Where the Cruze really impresses though comes down to the minimal dent it will have on your bank balance. Starting at R174,000 its brilliant value for money in comparison to the C segment benchmark Toyota Corolla. Standard features across the range include park distance control, automatic headlights and rain sensitive windscreen wipers. The interior kicks Toyota’s backside and according to the Kinsey Report it has the cheapest parts bundle out there. (See next weeks piece for more info on what exactly the Kinsey Report is)

My verdict at the end of the day – great car for what you’re paying. The definition of stupid is anyone who goes and buys a Corolla over one of these – and I’m not just saying that because they gave me some breakfast, and tea, and lunch. Seriously.

Miles Downard
Photo Credit: Quickpic

Model and Price
1.6 L       –  R 174, 192
1.6 LS      –  R 186, 126
1.8 LS      –  R 204, 133
1.8 LT A/T  –  R 244, 440