Chevrolet Cruze

The most awaited premium sedan Chevrolet Cruze was launched by General Motors in the Indian market in October 2009. Price of this luxury sedan is fixed between Rs. 12 lacs to Rs. 15 lacs. Chevrolet launched this sedan to provide tough competition to other D-segment cars. It is the first global vehicle to be launched by general motors in the Indian automobile market. The car is introduced in the Indian market with 2.0L, 1991cc, 4-Cylinder, In-line Advanced VCDi (Variable Geometry Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection) diesel engine. Mileage of new Chevrolet Cruze is quite impressive, which makes it suitable for Indian economic condition. According to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) standards, the mileage of Chevrolet Cruze car is around 18.3 kilometres per litre. The car is offered to the customers in three variants, which are powered by similar engine.

Chevrolet Cruze in India comes with Cruise control, which is an advanced feature for speed control purpose. The car also has emergency exit facility behind the rear seat, which proves useful in case of sudden lockup of doors. In terms of safety, the Chevrolet Cruze cars have received positive ranking. The rear wheel of the car has solid drum brakes while large ventilated disc brakes are provided for the front wheel. Further, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) is provided, which prevents skidding of vehicle during emergency braking.

Launch History of Chevrolet Cruze

On October, 12, 2009, the new Chevrolet Cruze entered the Indian market. During the festive season, General Motors aimed to pick up some amount of sales. At the time of its launch, the car has bagged 1100 booking. The main aim of General Motors was to provide tough competition to other D-segment cars. With a price tag of Rs. 12 lacs to Rs. 15 lacs, the company wanted to target the higher income groups. The car was offered to the Indian customers in two variants, Cruze LT and Cruze LTZ. Both these variants are powered by 2.0 litres VCDi diesel engine. The car does not have any petrol variant in the market. Power generated by the engine of Chevrolet Cruze is 150 hp at 4000 rpm whereas the torque generated is 320 Nm at 2000 rpm.

The new Chevrolet Cruze delivers an impressive mileage of 18.3 kmph according to expert review. From the comfort side, Cruze beats many of its competitors. The interiors of the car are extremely attractive due to the leather covered upholstery and dual tone beige dashboard. Chevrolet Cruze has advanced integrated Blaupunkt RDS Radio/CD player, which delights the mood of the music lovers. The audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel for extra convenience of the driver.

Chevrolet launched its Cruze 2.0 VCDI AT model on 7th April 2011. The Chevrolet Cruze 2011 comes with jet black interiors and titanium stitching, which attracts car lovers. This variant of cruze is loaded with iPod docking facility, single CD changer, variant mirror with light, improved dashboard plastic quality and bluetooth audio system with mobile pairing. Price of this car is between Rs. 15 lacs to Rs. 16 lacs.

Variants (Models) of Chevrolet Cruze 

At present, there are three models of Chevrolet Cruze in India, which is powered by 4-Cylinder, 2.0L, 1991cc, In-line Advanced VCDi (Variable Geometry Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection) diesel engine. There is certain amount of price variations among these models of Cruze cars. The details of the models are explained below:

ModelsFeatures of Chevrolet Cruze

Models	Features
Chevrolet Cruze LT	This base variant of Chevrolet Cruze comes with instrument cluster dimmer, airbags, alloy wheels and front centre arm rest. Apart from these, the car is also loaded with various other features such as dual airbag, child seat provision, rear centre arm rest, ABS, emergency exit system and advanced security system.
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ	This variant of Chevrolet Cruze is loaded with various utility features like electric sunroof, leather steering and gear knob, chrome finished door handles and trunk lid garnish and leather upholstery. Apart from these, the car also has auto climate control with air quality system, rear parking assist and rain sensitive wiper. Chevrolet Cruze LTZ is also provided with power folding and heated ORVMs and steering mounted audio controls.
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ AT	The features of this variant is similar to that of Chevrolet Cruze LTZ but the only difference is the automatic transmission.

Pricing of Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze car India is offered in three variants such as LT, LTZ and LTZ AT. Price of these models varies according to the inbuilt features. The LT model of Chevrolet Cruze is priced around Rs. 10.50 lacs. However, the price of LTZ is above Rs. 12 lacs. The LTZ AT model of Chevrolet Cruze car is priced around Rs. 14 lacs. All these prices are of ex-showroom Mumbai. Chevrolet Cruze prices vary in terms of the inbuilt features.

Reviewof Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze would win its hands down if looks were the prime factor for the success of a car. The exteriors and interiors of Chevrolet Cruze car together make it a premium class sedan. Cruze is provided with body colour mirror and door handles, which complements its looks. Compared to the grille, the air dams are somewhat subtle. Stylist fog lamps are fitted on the front bumper of the car. Further, the alloy wheel provides a muscular look to this sedan. The interior of Chevrolet Cruze is a perfect example of luxury and comfort. Front seats of this car are extremely comfortable and the steering wheel can also be adjusted as per the convenience of the driver.

Audio controls and cruise controls are mounted on the steering wheel. One can find various exciting features inside the car such as electro-chromatic rear view mirror, climatronic AC, rear parking sensors, mood sensing interior lights and rain sensitive windscreen wipers. Apart from these, Illuminated glove box, centre armrest with storage and all powered windows with one touch operation are also provided in the car. Only one engine option is provided by General Motors for its Chevrolet Cruze in India. The 1991 cc 4 cylinder diesel engine is known to generate maximum power of 150 hp at 4000 rpm. Further, the torque generated by the engine is 320 Nm at 2000 rpm. This data is indeed impressive. The LTZ AT version of Chevrolet Cruze 2011 is offered with automatic transmission whereas LT, LTZ has manual transmission.

For General Motors, the Cruze is an important model by which the company expects to grab some amount of market share. The car has received good response from the customers due to its rich interiors and powerful engine. Furthermore, the mileage of the car is a contributing factor towards its sales. On the downside, the utilization of space is not so impressive. The car does not have any petrol version, which may affect its sales.

Used Car Marketof Chevrolet Cruze

Even though Chevrolet cars do not have good resale value but it attracts customers with various warranty schemes. Purchasing a used Chevrolet car would be a wise decision as it delivers impressive mileage. Being quite new in the market, there are not much used models of Chevrolet cars. The company does not provide any platform to purchase used Chevrolet car.

Specificationsof Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze, the luxury sedan has overall length of 4,597 mm, which makes it a long car. The car is truly spacious and has enough headroom and legroom. In the table below, the detailed specification of the car is mentioned.

Displacement	1991cc, VCDi
Maximum Power	150 hp
Maximum Torche	320 Nm
Overall Length	4,597 mm
Height	1,477 mm
Width	1,788 mm
Headroom ( Front)	999 mm
Headroom (Rear)	963 mm
Legroom (Front)	1074 mm
Legroom (Rear)	917 mm
Shoulder Room (Front)	1391 mm
Shoulder Room (Rear)	1370 mm

Exteriorof Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze is premium class sedan, which can impress any passerby. The car is wider and longer than most of its competitor. Further, the car has robust look, which distinct it from other sedans of the market.

Exterior Appearance

The car has strong bonnet with chrome affected belt line and front grille with chrome affected surrounding, which provides muscular look. Apart from these body coloured bumpers of Chevrolet Cruze car contributes towards the look of the car. The sedan has body coloured door handles and outside rear view mirror, which adds attraction. Chevrolet Cruze also has 17 inch alloy wheels, which deliver robust look to the car. Stylist rear combination lamps and front fog lamps are also style attributes of this sedan.

Exterior Measurements

Overall length, height and width of Chevrolet Cruze car is 4,597 mm, 1,477mm and 1,788mm. The wheel base of the five seater mid-sized sedan is 2685 mm and it has turning radius of 5.45 meters.

Interior

To impress car lover, the company has made extensive effort while designing the interiors. For the comfort and safety of the passengers, various features are added.

Interior Appearance

Chevrolet Cruze has leather covered upholstery and dual tone beige dashboard, which enhances the internal look of the car. The dashboard of the car is packed with various advanced instrument. It has leather seats, gear knob and steering wheel, which provides aristocratic look to the car. Apart from these, Chevrolet Cruze has Aluminium-effect trim inserts on steering wheel, Aluminium-effect trim inserts on doors & centre console and Aluminium-effect instrument trim rings.

Interior Comfort

For the comfort of the passengers, various advanced features are added to Chevrolet Cruze. The car has height adjustable comfortable driver and front passenger seat, advanced audio system and 60/40 split folding rear seats. Apart from these, some other comfort features of Cruze car includes tilt-able and adjustable telescopic power steering, rear seat centre armrest and pocket front seat back.

It has climate control AC due to which adequate temperature can be maintained inside the cabin. With one touch, the front and rear windows of the car can be opened. Chevrolet Cruze has automatic lighting control, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, cigarette lighter and ashtray, which provides comfort and convenience to the users.

Sunglass holder, digital clock, front and rear cup holders, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, centre armrest with storage and illuminated glove box are also provided for extra comfort of the passengers.

Interior Measurements

A spacious car, Chevrolet Cruze is sufficient for 5 people. The car has from legroom of 1074 mm and rear legroom of 917 mm. Font headroom of new Chevrolet Cruze is 999 mm and rear headroom is 963 mm. However, the front shoulder room is 1391 mm and the rear shoulder room of the car is 1370 mm.

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economyof Chevrolet Cruze

The new Chevrolet Cruze is known for its impressive mileage. It is loaded with 4-Cylinder, 2.0L, 1991cc, In-line VCDi diesel engine with five speed manual transmission gearbox due to which high power and acceleration can be attained. Further, the engine also provides high fuel efficiency. On city roads, the engine provides mileage of 14 kmph and the mileage on the highway is 18.3 kmpl. The mileage details have been conformed by the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). Being equipped with diesel engine, Chevrolet Cruze provides relief in the present scenario when fuel prices are rising constantly.

On-road Driveof Chevrolet Cruze

Purchasing Chevrolet Cruze, one can expect smooth driving and better handling. The car has U Shaped Rear Suspension with Torsion Beam and Mc Pherson Strut Front Suspension with Anti Roll Bar, which helps in jerk free driving. For bad roads, Gas Charged Shock Absorbers are provided in the car. Large ventilated disc brakes are provided in the front and rear wheel of new Cruze. These brakes de-accelerate the car at any point. In case of emergency braking, the driver does not loose control due to the presence of ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution).

Powerof Chevrolet Cruze

Loaded with 2.0L, 1991cc, 4-Cylinder, In-line VCDi diesel engine, Chevrolet Cruze is a powerful car. The engine produces maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm and delivers maximum power of 150 hp at 4000 rpm. Due to the high engine performance, Chevrolet Cruze becomes suitable for all types of weather condition. The engine of the car also delivers high fuel efficiency and acceleration.

Acceleration and Pick Upof Chevrolet Cruze

All variants of Chevrolet Cruze car is powered by 4-Cylinder, 2.0L, 1991cc, In-line Advanced VCDi (Variable Geometry Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection) diesel engine. The LTZ and LT variant comes with 5-Speed manual transmission gearbox however, the VCDI AT variant has 6 speed automatic transmission. The maximum power generated by the engine of new Chevrolet Cruze is 150 hp at 4000 rpm. It generates torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm. Due to the high power and torque, the car can attain top speed of 184 kmph. In 9.7 seconds, Chevrolet Cruze can cross 100 kmph. Hence, the car is preferred by speed lovers.

Safety and Securityof Chevrolet Cruze

To make the car safe, Chevrolet has added various active and passive safety features. The car has dual front airbags, which proves useful during collision. Due to the presence of ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), the driver can control the car during emergency braking. The vehicle gets de-accelerated instantly due the presence of Front Ventilated Disc Brakes. Some passive safety features provided in new Chevrolet Cruze car includes front seatbelts with pretensioner, side impact beams, height adjustable front seatbelts and 3x3 point rear seatbelts. For driver seatbelt, warning lamp is also provided. Apart from these, Chevrolet Cruze has various other features like child locks and central locking, knee protector and ISOFIX child seat restraint system. These features make new Chevrolet Cruze car a safe car to drive.

Comfort and Convenienceof Chevrolet Cruze

Maximum care has been taken to design the interior, so that Chevrolet Cruze turns out to be a comfortable car. The car is loaded with climate control AC, which helps in maintaining adequate temperature. 60/40 split folding rear seats, height adjustable comfortable driver and front passenger seat, rear seat centre armrest and pocket front seat back are some of the comfort features of this car. Apart from these, Cruze 2011 is provided with tilt-able and adjustable telescopic power steering and electrically operated front and rear windows, which provides convenience to the passengers.

Wheelsof Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet provides its new Cruze in India with alloy wheels and steel wheels options. The 16 inch steel wheels provide robust look to the car. For off-roading driving experience, puncture resistant radial tube less tyres is provided. The Chevrolet Cruze comes with 205/60 R16 tyres, which makes it suitable for all types of roads.

Stereo and Accessoriesof Chevrolet Cruze

To tune the mood of music lovers, advanced Blaupunkt RDS New Chevrolet Cruze Radio / CD player with MP3 is provided. The Six CD Changer audio system of the car has six integrated speaker. For external device connectivity such as pen drives and mobile phones, the audio system is provided with USB socket and input jack. On steering wheel of the car, the audio controls are mounted. Further, a powerful heater and climate control dual air conditioning system helps one in maintaining adequate temperature inside the cabin.

Dealers of Chevrolet Cruze

At present, there are many dealers of Chevrolet Cruze in India. Dealers of this car are available in major metropolitan cities. Price quotations can be collected from these dealers. Some authorised dealers of new Chevrolet Cruze in India are listed below:

City	Dealers
Delhi	Shiva Motors Triumph Motors Autovikas Sales & Services (P) Ltd. Metro Motors Pvt. Ltd. Regent Automobiles Ltd.
Mumbai	National Garage Ashtavinayak Auto Pvt. Ltd. Bharati Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Nikhil Automobiles Pvt. Ltd.
Chennai	KLN Motors Agencies Pvt. Ltd. Sundaram Motors
Hyderabad	Orange Auto Pvt. Ltd. Kun Automobiles (P) Ltd.
Pune	Pashankar Auto Wheels Pvt. Ltd. Shreyans

Company Quotes of Chevrolet Cruze

Mr. Karl Slym, the President & Managing Director of General Motors India said “We have made some exciting changes in the Cruze to make it even more alluring and attractive”.

Chevrolet has already become a driving force in India’s vehicle market,” said Karl Slym. He further added “The Cruze has been receiving excellent market response since its launch in the last quarter of 2009. The auto journalists in India who had test-driven the vehicle has rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes.”

Competitor Analysisof Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze in India competes with Toyota Corolla Altis, Skoda Laura, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Hybrid, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Jetta. Although air-conditioner, power window and power steering are present in Cruze 2011, Corolla Altis and Laura but Corolla Altis does not come with airbags and CD player. Chevrolet Cruze is also more powerful than Toyota Corolla Altis but less powerful than Skoda Laura. However, Skoda Laura comes with leather seats, which are not present in Chevrolet Cruze cars. Both Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta have 6 gears but Cruze have five gears. The price of new Chevrolet Cruze car is much lower compared to Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta.

Apart from other brand cars, Chevrolet Cruze also competes with its own family models like Chevrolet Optra Magnum and Chevrolet Aveo. In terms of style and design, Chevrolet Cruze beats Optra Magnum . However, the price of Chevrolet Cruze car is higher than the family sedans.

Pros of Chevrolet Cruze

There are many attributes of Chevrolet Cruze for which it is appreciated in the market. The car is known for its powerful engine and stylist exterior. Further, it is more spacious than many other sedans available in the market.

Cons of Chevrolet Cruze

Apart from the positive features, there are some negative aspects of Chevrolet Cruze car for which it gets low ranking. The ground clearance of the Cruze car is not much impressive due to which there is a risk of the base of the car of getting damaged. It also has small boot space and there are no AC vents present.

Conclusion of Chevrolet Cruze

Compared to many other cars available in the market, the Chevrolet Cruze 2011 gives value for money. The car is suited to the high income group, who can easily afford it. Interiors and exteriors are carefully designed keeping in mind the preference of the customers. Mileage of Chevrolet Cruze 2011 is also impressive. Further, the jet black interiors are definitely a USP of the car.