Being of American origin and designed for the global market, Chevrolet engineers had to look and satisfying almost all markets with one product and with that they have equipped the Cruze with the positive virtues or all the top sellers. With a new auto partner in Malaysia, Chevrolet is trying again to get a strong foothold in the regions biggest passenger car market after a dismal previous business partnership. Malaysian buyers will get the global engine, an ECOTEC 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 141 horsepower and 176Nm of torque. The 1.8-liter powers the Cruze to get the best possible fuel economy as it works hard with the slick-shifting six (6)-speed automatic in city traffic. On the highway the 1.8-liter doesn’t feel particularly strong initially, but the engine is smooth and fuss free in its operation, never flinching.
The Cruse comes with a 5-Star NCAP safety rating putting it high on the list of well designed and family centric sedans. It comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC), 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, brake assist and also brake force distribution (EBD).
Most of the competition is somewhat far in reaching this long list of safety features and we are sure the Cruze will now force the competition to start equipping their vehicles in line with this list. Having said that it is disappointing to see the rather hard plastics inside the cabin and the lack of soft touch material which the immediate competition is using with success.
No question here, with the well tuned engine working with the 6-speed auto, the Cruze does what it is supposed to do, behave well along Klang Valley inadequate roads, soaking up bumps and indents with ease and releasing very little noise and harshness to the driver and passengers.
The drivers height adjustable seat allows for most Asian drivers to find a good driving position and the multi function steering wheel is very European on feel and look. Turning radius is tight and good for small Petaling Jaya side streets and up to intended top speed, the Cruze leaves little wanting. Seat comfort is good but could have been better with adjustable headrests which the segment leaders also do not provide for. One touch drivers power window is included an also central locking.
Rear ISOFIX child seats are provided and 3 adults can get comfy in the rear. 3 headrests are provided for at the back and when 2 only seated the center armrest takes 2 cups easily. Take it in manual mode and the Cruze delivers with more vigour as you snap the gearstick up and down the single gate. There is no hesitation and delivery is almost instant. Engine roar is still not that exciting and as with its competitors. High speed engine noise does creep into the cabin once illegal speeds are reached but the Cruze cabin NVH is still within segment levels.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC petrol Displacement: 1796cc
Max power: 141bhp @ 6200rpm
Max torque: 176Nm @ 3800rpm
0-100km/h: 11.5secs
Top Speed: 190 km/h Transmission: 6-Speed Auto
Price: RM97,888.00
