Chevrolet has released details of the all-new Cruze compact sedan, with a local introduction set for 2016. Larger, lighter and featuring new direct injection turbo engine as well featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology, the Cruze will no doubt cement itself as Chevrolet’s best-selling global car.
A new lighter structure – by some 113kg’s – combined with the brand new 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which features stop/start technology, promises fuel consumption of roughly 5.9l/100km on the combined cycle and an estimated tank range of 853km.
For the connected generation, Chevrolet MyLink with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability will be available, including a standard 7-inch screen and optional 8-inch screen. At launch only the 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay will be available.
These systems build off select features smartphone users rely on most, with many controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel. That helps drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. (You will need to be running an Android device with Lollipop 5.0 or at least an iPhone 5 in order to take advantage of this system.)
Chevrolet is quick to point out that the new Cruze will ship standard with more standard kit than most of its rivals with features such as 10 airbags, disc brakes all-round, rear-view camera and integrated OnStar 4G LTE with Wifi hotspot capabilities.
Of course there will be host of optional extras such as luxury features like wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. As well as optional safety systems like Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.
Sitting on a longer wheelbase than before, the new Cruze boasts class-leading interior space with rear legroom reaching an impressive 917mm with 51mm more rear knee room, said to be more than both the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.
The new 1.4L turbo is rated at 113 kW and 240Nm of torque and is said to deliver a segment best 0-100kph of 8 seconds. With an aluminium cylinder block and head allowing for a reduced weight combined with start/stop technology, the all-new Cruze is set to return 5.9l/100km on freeway driving.
10 standard air bags are including as standard equipment, front driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions; seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear) and front knee air bags.
For the South African market, expect exact details and pricing closer to the local launch in 2016.
