The all-new gasoline and diesel line-up comprises 1.6 and 1.8-liter, all-aluminum, gasoline engines, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit with 16 valves.

Both gasoline engines feature variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides. The 1.6-liter engine develops 113 hp/83 kW maximum power at 6,400 rpm and peak torque of 153 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

The 1.8-liter version offers even more responsive performance, with 141 hp/104 kW at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 176 Nm at 3,800 rpm, including 85% from just 2,000 rpm right up to 6,300 rpm. In terms of power output-per-liter, this engine is among the most efficient on the market.

With manual transmissions, these engines deliver zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 12.5 and 10.0 seconds, respectively, and fuel consumption over the combined cycle of 6.7 and 6.8 L/100 km.

The new, 16-valve, 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp/110 kW, adds power with even greater frugality. Impressive fuel economy - 5.6 L/100 km over the combined cycle - offers a potential driving range of over 1,000 km. It is fitted as standard with a maintenance-free exhaust particulate filter.

The common rail, multiple injection design includes variable geometry turbocharging (VGT). With strong torque of 320 Nm from just 2,000 rpm, this engine enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 10.0 seconds, and even more impressive in-gear performance, with 80-120 km/h in fifth gear in 12.5 seconds. It will be joined later in the year by a 125 hp/92 kW version.

The 1.6-liter engine is fitted as standard for base and LS variants, while the 1.8-liter is standard for LT and optional for LS. Both are available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed automatic transmission, a segment ‘first’ for Chevrolet.

The 2.0-liter turbo diesel is fitted to LT variants only and the 125 hp/92 kW version will be offered for base and LS. Both these engines are available only with manual transmission.

For all engine applications, a universal front sub-frame, carrying the engine and transmission, is bolted in position via four rubber bushings. This ‘isolated’ mounting helps reduce the transmission of engine vibration and road noise into the cabin.

Interior Design and Features

Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the five-seater cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. It is a high quality execution that transcends the compact value segment.

Class-leading features include the flush fit of panels, with exceptionally tight gap tolerances, and generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room, despite Chevrolet Cruze’s signature sloping roofline.

The core interior design theme is a modern expression of a traditional Chevy styling cue - the signature ‘twin cockpit’ layout of the Corvette, a motif designed to bringing driver and passenger closer to a ’shared’ experience. On each side of the main fascia, there is a choice of colored fabric or grained vinyl panels, which are complemented by matching inserts in the seats and door trims.

The center point for the ‘dual cockpit’ symmetry is a neatly integrated center stack, housing the infotainment and air conditioning displays and controls. It is mounted at a shallow angle and has a flowing, free form which eliminates straight lines and the traditional ‘picture framing’ of panels.

Three-dimensional math modeling was used in the design of the main instrument cluster. The analogue dials are backlit by LED for clear, crisp illumination in white and ice blue.

Compared to the seats of its predecessor, the main improvements for Chevrolet Cruze are the use of a wire mesh construction to distribute weight more evenly, a firmer foam filling and deeper bolstering for the cushions and seat-backs, front and rear.

The fabric upholstery includes high quality French seam stitching that provides excellent durability and eliminates the possibility of a ’stretched-seam’ appearance over time. Leather upholstery, with heated front seats, is an option for the top LT specification.

The range of fore/aft adjustment for the front seats has been extended by approximately 50 mm, giving the longest travel in the value compact segment.

Manually-controlled air conditioning is an option for base and standard with LS variants, while dual-zone automatic climate control is standard with LT specification. A particulate and odor filtration system that cleans the air entering the cabin is standard throughout the range, as is a heated rear screen.

An AM/FM/CD audio system, with RDS digital signaling, an MP3 playback facility and two-color graphic display, is standard for base and LS variants. The LT system adds an in-dash, six-CD auto-changer and a USB socket for an iPod in the center console. A DVD-based Navigation system is offered in all specifications and includes a 7-inch color map display, a segment ‘first’ for Chevrolet.

Suspension, Brakes, Steering

Chevrolet Cruze’s suspension, braking and steering systems have been developed on European roads to meet European driving tastes. Striking a balance between agility and ride comfort, Chevrolet Cruze offers the driver a high degree of ‘connectedness’ while also delivering a relaxed and refined ride character.

Compared to its predecessor, Chevrolet Cruze benefits from a wider ‘footprint’ that contributes to more stable handling. The front track is increased to 1,544 mm (up by 64 mm) and the rear track to 1,558 mm (up 78 mm), while the 2,685 mm wheelbase is 85 mm longer. The proportionately greater increases in track enable an inherently better road-holding capability.

Front suspension is by McPherson strut, with side-load compensation to reduce sliding friction. The front sub-frame provides a firm location for the inboard mounting of the lower A-arms. Hydraulic bushings - a feature commonly found on more expensive vehicles - are used to give a higher degree of ride isolation and a more controlled absorption of road input loads.

At the rear, an advanced, compound crank (torsion beam) layout is used. Apart from enabling consistent wheel camber control, this suspension system offers savings in space and weight that are valuable for a compact segment vehicle.

The beam, double-walled and U-shaped in profile, is attached to trailing links through a patented, ‘magnetic-arc’ welding process. This production technology allows the beam’s thickness and attachment angles to be varied according to different engine and vehicle weights, facilitating the fine tuning of roll-rate and roll-steer characteristics.

Disc brakes, ventilated at the front and solid at the rear, are fitted all round.

An all-wheel, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control (TCS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which controls front-to-rear braking effort, are fitted as standard (EU + 2 countries).

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), also standard (EU + 2 countries), uses both the ABS and TCS functions to gently counteract over-exuberance or misjudgments by the driver. It is also useful in helping the driver keep control during an emergency avoidance maneuver.

The rack-and-pinion steering is hydraulically power-assisted and fast-acting, with less than three turns of the wheel required lock-to-lock.