My recent test drive of a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has underscored that GM is moving in the right direction. This car, introduced in September 2011, has proven to be a strong seller and should be considered when shopping for a small, new car. Its competition is strong and includes the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Jetta. Yet, the Cruze offers several distinctives not found elsewhere, giving this car a head up in the crowded compact car segment.Chevrolet likes to advertise the Cruze by saying that it offers a midsize car presence. What does that mean? Well, it explains that the interior room of the Cruze approaches that found in some larger, midsize cars. However, that is a bit of a stretch as the Cruze falls short of the larger Chevrolet Malibu in interior room. Still, the Cruze does offer sufficient room for driver and front seat passenger. And, surprisingly, rear seat passengers won't have their knees up in their faces even when the front seats are pushed all the way back.On the outside, the Cruze looks awfully like the larger Malibu. Indeed, some writers have called the Cruze a "baby Malibu" as this car borrows some of the styling cues of the larger, attractive Malibu.
Inside, the Cruze offers comfortable seats and many features standard. Climate control; power windows, locks and mirrors; OnStar information and navigation; segment-leading10 airbags; antilock brakes and stability control are some of the features offered with every 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Engine choices include a standard 1.8-liter four cylinder paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional. What really makes the Cruze fun to drive its 1.4-liter turbocharged four, which is paired with an automatic transmission. Both engines produce 138 horsepower, but the torque increases by about 20 percent with the turbo. Torque is most appreciated on the highway when you need to get some extra power to pass – the Cruze delivers all that and in spades.I've driven both the standard four and turbocharged engine, but my preference is with the turbo. With the smaller, but more potent engine the Cruze hits highway speed faster and offers sufficient power to pass as needed. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and helps make driving a breeze. Electric steering provides optimum handling; the brakes engage quickly and benefit from ABS and stability control. Don't get me wrong: the larger engine is just fine, but if you prize an extra boost of power, then the turbo is a worthy investment.
Fuel economy is a strong suit with the Chevy Cruze as models are EPA rated from 22 mpg city, 35 mpg highway with the larger engine to 26 mpg city, 38 mpg with the turbo. A special Cruze "Eco" model delivers optimal fuel economy of 28 mpg city, 42 mpg highway as equipped with a turbo and 6-speed transmission.
