Cruze 1.6 design edition plus

Like the re-tuned auto in the 1. Unlike the 1. The contrast with the sluggish old Generation I automatic is stark. Only occasionally does the auto second-guess the driver and get it wrong. Holden admits that in the final round of testing it was decided that the Sport mode they originally had planned was too annoyingly aggressive, so they went for a slightly safer setting.

The 1. Third gear shows off the fine flexibility of this engine, pulling effortlessly from low revs and swiftly through the mid-range.

Like the Equipe and CDX, the SRi models are also reasonably quiet, but the new Bridgestones do seem to throw up more road noise on coarse chip surfaces than the old Kumhos. The interior design, like the exterior, is now four years old. Plastics quality is of the hard and durable type, but the ill-fitting sunglasses holder atop the dash is an example of sub-standard finish.

The SRi-V also now adds inch alloys and a reversing camera. Both SRi and SRi-V are available in hatchback or sedan configuration, each with capacious litre-plus cargo capacities and split-fold rear seat capability.

It has always been inferior. Previous View 22 images. View 22 images. Doors and Seats 4 doors, 5 seats. Petrol 91 6. Find similar cars. All Family Cars Cars. All Holden. Daniel DeGasperi. What we love. What we don't. Driver Technology. Value for Money. Our ratings explained. Mazda 3. Honda Civic. A particulate and odor filtration system that cleans the air entering the cabin is standard throughout the range, as is a heated rear screen. This tight, strong structure is key to suppressing noise, vibration and harshness NVH , as well as securing a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

The core structure is a unitary construction fabricated from steel beams, pressings and box sections, with an overall torsional rigidity of Efficient load paths provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an impact from virtually any direction.

The energy absorbing front and rear crumple zones are designed to deform as efficiently as possible in order to maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment, which is protected by a safety cage reinforced with tubular-section members that frame the door openings and support the roof. The combination of a single-piece side structure and ultra-high strength steel door beams also provides effective side impact protection. Apart from minimizing noise and vibration, a stiff structure also makes it easier to isolate residual powertrain, road and wind noise for even quieter cabin comfort.

Cruze has achieved interior acoustic and wind noise ratings that are both among best-in-class for compact sedans in the value segment.

Three-point seatbelts are fitted for all five seating positions. Driver and passenger front airbags, side curtain roof rail airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and a collapsible pedal assembly are all fitted as standard. The all-new gasoline and diesel line-up comprises 1. Both gasoline engines feature variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides. In terms of power output-per-liter, this engine is among the most efficient on the market.

The new, valve, 2. Impressive fuel economy — 5. It is fitted as standard with a maintenance-free exhaust particulate filter.

The common rail, multiple injection design includes variable geometry turbocharging VGT. 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. The front track is increased to 1, mm up by 64 mm and the rear track to 1, mm up 78 mm , while the 2, 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. 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. Kim led a multi-national team of designers tasked with re-energizing the Chevrolet brand, introducing design features for Cruze that will be carried forward in all new products carrying the gold bowtie. On a number of levels, Cruze represents a quantum leap forward for Chevrolet in Europe.

Wider and longer than its predecessor, Cruze has a purposeful, well-planted stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. The wide footprint is emphasized by a body shape that slopes inwards as it rises to the roof. A low, close-to-the-ground appearance is also reinforced by body-colored sills that extend the side body contours. For example, door-to-door, door-to-fender, hood-to-fender, and lamp-to-fascia gaps are all 3.

A distinctive concave shoulder line that flows uninterrupted along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid is set to become a new signature Chevy design cue for future products. Its visual appeal is strengthened by body sides that are free from moldings or trim for a clean, uncluttered appearance. In profile, attention to detail is evident in the way the sloping line of the rear pillar is visually extended by the shape of the wraparound rear light cluster and the rising top face of the rear bumper molding.

The narrow, upper grille section is neatly formed by a cut-out in the front edge of the hood. In LS and LT specification, both grille openings are framed in matt chrome. A contrasting, piano black background adds depth and an upscale appearance uncommon in the segment. The hood is heavily sculpted along its sides to integrate with the swept headlamps and the concave shoulder line rising from the front of the fenders.

The frontal design is completed by lower, trapezoidal air intake and black, outer recesses to accommodate optional front fog lamps. In shape, these elements counterbalance the main grille and headlamp units, giving the front of the car a focused, symmetrical appeal. A pliable, narrow lip spoiler is integrated into the bottom edge of the front fascia. At the rear, the flush-mounted tail light clusters are molded with two circular shapes in each unit, echoing a traditional Chevy twin light styling motif, even more evident when they are illuminated.

The trunk lid continues the flowing lines of the concave shoulder feature and incorporates an integrated spoiler sculpted in its rear edge. The lid can be released externally via an electric touchpad when the ignition key is in the car.

Attention to detail is exemplified by the careful shaping of the fuel filler flap, which includes both the concave form of the shoulder line and the positive curvature of the side body. But the location of the filler pipe was fixed and our concave body form was non-negotiable, so it was worth going the extra mile.

A highly competitive 0. We think it will stand out among its competitors. The interior design of the Cruze reflects the upscale looks and quality of its exterior. Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. The spacious interior can comfortably accommodate five adults. Underpinning the high level of refinement is the flush fit of interrelated elements and exceptionally tight gap tolerances.

In the center stack, for example, the gaps between components are less than 1 mm, a standard of finish comparable to any interior in the industry. Instrument panel-to door gaps are also less than 5 mm, again among the best in the industry. For Cruze, this approach now translates into an innovative choice of colored fabric or grained vinyl panels each side of the main fascia, with matching inserts in the seats and door trims.

In this way, the front fascia also becomes more integrated, extending the look and feel of the rest of the interior. The choice of a fabric or grained insert gives the cockpit a more natural, youthful feel.

The overall result is an upscale interior with clean, interrelating surfaces supplemented by quality fabrics and materials. It is expressive of craftsmanship, without being ostentatious or unnecessarily fussy. The upper portion of the stack is sculpted into the main fascia and provides infotainment displays. Under this, the panel for infotainment and HVAC controls is presented in either a matt or high gloss piano black finish, depending on trim level.

This is applied across the upper portion of the center stack, including the center air vents, and to the sides and lower portion around the gear shift, as well as the lower part of the steering wheel spokes.

An optional, seven line driver information display, with amber or ice blue text, is also located between the main dials. Attention to detail is evident in the way a faint blue glow is emitted at night from the sides of the cluster to provide a warming ambient light. The three-spoke steering wheel has a thick rim for enhanced grip and feel and is leather-trimmed in up-level specifications.

Tilt and height adjustment is standard in LS and LT specification. Buttons on the center spokes for the remote operation of the audio system are also standard with LS, and additionally with cruise control for LT specification.

In line with the rest of the interior, seating comfort and appearance is expected to be among the best in class. Seat upholstery is either fabric or leather. The base woven seats are covered in a heavier fabric than previously used. LS and LT variants feature a knit mesh weave on a color backing to give a two-dimensional appearance.

For all variants, the front and rear seat inserts are color-matched to the choice of front fascia inserts. The seats are finished with French seam stitching that has been benchmarked against the best offerings in the world. Three headrests are also fitted to the rear seat-back. Heated leather seats, with three levels of warmth adjustment for the front occupants, are an option for LT variants.

The seats feature a heavier, grained hide for the inserts and a smoother grain for the bolsters. Unlike traditional felt applications, a woven material has been selected that is more commonly found on higher-end luxury vehicles. Manually-controlled air conditioning is optional for base and LS variants. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard with LT specification, including air recirculation and a moisture sensor.

The system maintains a constant, programmed temperature by switching seamlessly between heating and air conditioning modes. A variable expansion valve is an enhancement which replaces a fixed orifice tube, allowing the expansion rate of the refrigerant gas to vary so it can adjust to load changes.

The valve adjusts for operating conditions so temperature levels can be maintained more precisely, an important benefit for occupant comfort. In designing the HVAC system, computational fluid dynamic calculations were used to ensure air velocity can be optimized, while keeping operational noise to a minimum. This included optimizing air vent sizes — larger vents need less velocity — and ensuring air flows are precisely balanced among the outlets.

A pollutant and odor filtration system is standard throughout the range. Filters within the HVAC system clean the air entering the passenger cabin, reducing particulates associated with asthma, shortness of breath, or bronchitis, for example.

A heated rear screen is also standard fit across the range. It includes radio digital signaling RDS , a two-color graphic text display and a digital clock In base specification, the four channel amplifier plays through two front door-mounted, 6.

LS and LT systems add two rear door-mounted speakers. Conceived as a family car, Cruze offers a plentiful array of onboard storage and convenience facilities. The main features are:. Out on the open road, Cruze delivers the dynamic promise of its looks. The suspension, braking and steering systems have been developed on European roads to meet the driving tastes of European buyers.

Key enablers of these characteristics are: a stiff body structure, suspension systems tuned to offer a smooth ride and responsive handling, steering with a solid on-center feel, and the use of larger disc brakes front and rear. At the rear, a compound crank development of the torsion beam offers space and weight savings, while allowing precise tuning.

At the heart of Cruze is a unitary body structure that is as tight and stiff as any in its class for details, see Body Structure and Electrical systems section. This gives the car a solid, upscale feel and provides a fixed, reliable starting point for fine tuning of the suspension.

An isolated front sub-frame, used to mount the engine, also provides a firm, predictable location for the lower A-arms of the front suspension and helps to further minimize the transmission of road noise and shocks into the cabin. The McPherson struts feature side-load compensation, with uniquely shaped springs that reduce the sliding friction caused by bending loads on the strut under compression.

Side load compensation has also enabled the front wheels to be located further outboard, helping stability as well as looks. Hydraulic bushings for the lower A-arms attachments to the sub-frame — a feature commonly found on more expensive vehicles — give a higher degree of ride isolation and a more controlled absorption of road input loads. To reduce unsprung weight, the A-arms are made of aluminum.

Maximum wheel travel was a goal for ease of tuning and good ride characteristics. The strut system yields a very competitive 76 mm of jounce travel from road shocks and rebound travel is also restricted to a competitive 96 mm. The hollow section, anti-roll bar combines reduced mass with maximum stiffness. The 25 mm diameter bar is attached to the front section of the sub-frame and each end is connected to the strut via a direct-acting link rod to maximize its effectiveness. This features a specifically adapted compound crank torsion beam with a double-walled, U-shaped profile.

The design combines all the space-saving advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle with low weight and consistent wheel camber control. This production technology enables the thickness of the torsion beam to be varied and different attachment angles between the beam and the trailing links.

These variables allow the adjustment of roll-rate and roll-steer characteristics according to different engines and vehicle weights. The use of larger, Another benefit of the compact rear axle layout is that it contributes to a lower center of gravity. The liter fuel tank fits low down between the wheels, enabling a lower positioning of the rear seats.

The rack-and-pinion steering is hydraulically power-assisted and designed for responsiveness, with good on-center feel and driver feedback. The rack is mounted low down at the rear of the front sub-frame and supported by two tuned rubber mounts. The steering is fast-acting, with less than three turns of the wheel required lock-to-lock. The steering wheel is adjustable for both rake and reach. Disc brakes are fitted all round, mm, ventilated at the front and mm, solid at the rear, for the base model.

Single piston calipers are fitted all round. The asbestos-free brake pads are designed for improved wear, reduced brake noise and enhanced pedal feel through low compressibility. Aluminum front and rear brake knuckles are corrosion protected and assist in reducing vehicle mass, enabling improved fuel economy. The all wheel, anti-lock braking system ABS uses input from wheel speed sensors to individually regulate braking at each wheel for reduced stopping distances, maximum stability and improved steering in heavy braking situations.

Front-to-rear braking effort is controlled through Electronic Brake force Distribution EBD , which uses independent rear control for improved stability and braking during cornering, as well as a more effective use of the rear brakes when carrying greater loads.

The system uses data from a yaw sensor, lateral accelerometer and steering angle sensor to help ensure the vehicle follows the direction of the front wheels. A strong, crashworthy structure backed by passive and active safety systems makes Cruze among the safest vehicles in its class.

The effectiveness of the structural design and its occupant protection systems is reflected in an expected high level EuroNCAP crash safety rating for Cruze. And it will meet standards in the United States for rollover performance, the structure being able to withstand 2.

Side curtain roof rail airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and a collapsible pedal assembly are fitted as standard, in addition to driver and passenger front airbags.

Efficient load paths in body structure provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an impact from virtually any direction. The energy absorbing front and rear crumple zones are designed to deform as efficiently as possible in order to maintain the integrity of the occupant compartment. The rails are made of high strength steel and absorb energy while carrying the highest loads possible as they collapse.

The hydro-formed front sub-frame, used to carry the engine, has structural foam in the front of its side rails, which also helps them maintain high loads as they deform. The safety cage is reinforced with tubular-section members that frame the door openings and support the roof. The floor pan, sill box sections, center tunnel, A- and B-pillars and the front mid-rails also support the front crumple zone and redirect energy away from the occupant compartment.

The combination of the single-piece side structure and ultra-high strength steel door beams provides effective side impact protection. The rear of the structure is designed to protect the fuel tank and its connections. Like the front crumple zone, it is designed to absorb impact energy.

The molded fuel tank is located low down between the rear longitudinal rails and is capable of recovering from compression without rupturing. Additional rear impact loads are resisted by a strong rear suspension cross-member, which also helps transfer loads to the sill areas after the rear longitudinal rails have deformed. At higher impact speeds, the bumper beams start to engage. Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners are fitted for all five seating positions.

Front occupants benefit from a load-limiting function to reduce peak chest loadings during a heavy impact. In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags are mounted in the outboard edges of the driver and front passenger seat-backs to provide thorax and pelvis protection. It is possible to switch off the front passenger airbag, a useful feature if the seat is unoccupied or a child seat is being used. Both front seats also have adjustable headrests to help provide whiplash protection in a rear impact.

Head-curtain airbags are installed in the roof rails between the A and C-pillars for additional head and neck protection of both front and rear occupants. As the bags inflate, they cover the pillars and side windows. For example, side airbags must be inflated even more rapidly than front airbags, due to impact proximity, and the SDM deploys them within five milliseconds in a car-to-car collision and within 15 milliseconds in a slower-speed impact, such as when sliding into a tree or roadside telegraph pole.

Child safety seats can be secured in any of three rear seat positions.