An epic battle is brewing for the hearts of compact-car shoppers.
For decades, names like Corolla and Civic topped the sales charts thanks in part to dependable reputations and attractive pricing. Within the past two years however, domestic big boys Ford and General Motors have debuted compacts capable of usurping Toyota and Honda thrones. Add to the mix Hyundai Motors' impressive 40-mile-per-gallon highway Elantra and one easily detects the competition has never been keener.
Chevrolet pitches its newly introduced front-wheel-drive Cruze as a "compact car with an upscale presence." Cruze replaced the underperforming Cobalt starting in the 2011 model year. Cobalt, designed specifically for the North American market, did not jibe with General Motor's wider-vision global initiative and lasted only a single generation (2006-2010). If first year sales are any indication, Chevrolet finally cracked the compact category success code, important since the segment ranks second in the U.S. as a percentage of sales, trailing only mid-size offerings.
Cruze also benefits from lessons learned across the pond. Before the first 2011 Cruze ever left a dealership floor here in the States, 165,000 models had been sold globally, providing pertinent feedback prior to the North American launch. Five million miles of consumer testing were in the books before U.S. launching.
Since GM trimmed down to four divisions, eliminating Pontiac, Hummer, Saab and Saturn during the government-backed reorganization, an impressive 70 percent of corporate sales are attributed to volume-leading Chevrolet.
Little changes content wise in the 2012 model year from Cruze's 2011 maiden U.S. launch save for a few new exterior colors.
Only sedan body styles are available in the U.S. while European markets offer other frames. Ford offers its highly competitive compact Focus in both five-door hatchback and four door sedans. The four-door Cruze is available in four trims, LS, LT, LTZ and our tester, the specially-tuned, high-mileage Eco. Two four-cylinder engines are offered: a 1.8-liter Ecotec engine cranking out 138 horsepower is available only in base LS models. All other trims come with the peppy, recommended, 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo engine also delivering 138 horses, but with increased torque for quicker starts from a standing pose. Both engines utilize regular, unleaded fuel. Currently, no gas-electric or plug-in version of Cruze is offered. Ford will offer an all-electric Focus plug-in throughout select markets in 2012. No all-wheel derivative is offered.
Fuel economy is a growing battleground for compacts and subcompacts, and the Eco version with six-speed manual transmission reaches the 42 mpg highway plateau (28 mpg city), the most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid gas-engine vehicle in North America. With automatic transmission, Cruse Eco now reaches 39 miles per gallon (26 mpg city). Eco helps squeeze more miles thanks in part to ultra-low rolling resistant tires, lightweight alloy wheels, a unique suspension and a manual transmission with triple overdrive. LT and LTZ trims with the 1.4-liter Ecotec engine average 26 mpg city and 28 mpg by comparison.
Don't expect a conventional spare or temporary spare tire in the spacious 15.4 cubic-foot trunk. Cruze Eco cuts out extra weight and opts to forgo a spare; although for 2012, a compact spare is available in all other trims. Also to save weight, our Eco model with manual transmission incorporated a 12.6 gallon fuel tank, three gallons less than other trims.
Pricewise, our 2012 Cruise Eco with six-speed manual transmission checked in with a $19,245 starting price, higher than an entry LS ($16,720) but lower than top-level LTZ ($23,110). The only option was a $495 convenience package featuring rear parking assist and six-way power driver's seat for a $20,490 bottom line with $750 destination charge. By contrast, a Ford Focus compact starts at $16,500 while a five-door hatchback lists at $18,300.
In June Cruze earned the distinction of the best-selling car sold in the United States, an honor usually reserved for the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. While Tsunami-type events played havoc with automaker supply lines in Asia, General Motors is adding overtime shifts its Lordstown, Ohio plant to keep pace with an underestimated demand.
Appealing to those with a myriad of musical tastes, all Cruze models come with a compact disc player and auxiliary jack for personal playback devices and stereo. XM Satellite radio with three-month trail subscription also comes standard as does air conditioning, rear defroster, power doors windows and locks. In-dash navigation is optional while no rear entertainment system is available. Ten standard air bags include knee airbags for the driver, roof rail airbags covering both rows and outboard rear-seat side air bags.
Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrac electronic stability control and traction control are part of the package as well. Don't forget OnStar 9.0, GM's in-vehicle, satellite driven communication system with live operators 24/7 with automatic crash response. It's standard in all trims, too.
If the interior smacks of a Malibu template, it's by design. Soft-touch materials utilized in the mid-size Malibu are also found in its smaller sibling. Chevrolet also made the Cruze interior quieter than the outgoing Cobalt's thanks to 30 acoustical treatments. The manual tilt and telescope, three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel's right side is home to the mechanical ignition cylinder.
Enhancing handling characteristics include a Z-link suspension controlling lateral forces and speed-sensitive power steering on all trims. Blind spots are minimized thanks to the four-door design. The dashboard top includes a shallow, covered storage area for small electronics or an IPASS. The easy-to-interpret instrument panel features two medium-sized circular analog gauges with two small gauges towards the top and a digital message window between. After sunset, patriotic red, white and blue backlighting greets drivers. While dials control fan speed and temperature, buttons monitor blower direction.
Row two seatbacks easily fold down onto seat cushions (after unlocking the back cushion from a top latch), gaining access to the cargo trunk and increasing item transport. The Eco edition's plushy cloth seats are a stop up to what the outgoing Cobalt offered and offer white trim stitching. In a pinch, three adult riders could find happiness together; two, however, makes a better comfort connection. Leather-appointed seats come standard in LTZ and some LT editions.
A black, honeycomb grille flanked by narrow band-like headlight housing gets slashed in two via a horizontal bar with center bow tie emblem. While LTZ and LT editions offer moonroofs, Eco models don't. A short, raised deck lid contrasts with high side belt lines and large taillight housing. Chrome trim adorns the bottom of the side window frames while "A" and "C" pillars remain narrow. It's a smart looking vehicle tilting towards a conservative twinge. Side-view mirrors would benefit from secondary turn-signal blinker bands.
Cruise models sold in the U.S. and Canada are assembled in Lordstown, Ohio near Youngstown, a facility receiving a $350 million investment prior to launch.
2012 Chevrolet Cruise Eco
Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
Overall length: 181.0 inches
Overall Width: 70.7 inches
Horsepower: 138
Engine 1.4-liter turbo, four cylinder
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city 42 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: Five years/100,000 miles
Built: Lordstown, Ohio
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