The long-awaited replacement for the Chevrolet Lacetti in the face of the Chevrolet Cruze took place at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. A sedan was presented to the judgment of motorists, the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback appeared only two years later in 2010 in the same place, in Paris. debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Cruz is thrown onto the battlefield for a customer in Europe's most intense and competitive C-class. For Russian car enthusiasts, the Chevrolet Cruze is produced at the GM plant in Shushary near St. Petersburg, the current model will remain the same in the 2013 model year. Let's look at the American Korean through the eyes of potential owners.
Teiwan Kim, a former FIAT auto designer, has been with GM Korea since 2006 and is the inspiration behind the new Chevrolet Cruze. Before Cruise, T. Kim also worked on the exterior of the Chevrolet Matiz and Chevrolet Aveo. The new design, embodied in the Chevrolet Cruze, has nothing to do with the boring Chevrolet Lacetti. The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze review can start with the courageous front end of the car with a double-deck false radiator grille in harmony with the brutal bumper and original headlights. The slight squint of the front lighting gives the car a confidence bordering on aggression. Muscular front wheel arches merge into the calm sidewalls of the body. It is clearly visible even from the photo that the sedan and the hatchback differ only in the design of the stern. The coupe-like shape of the roof (now fashionable "trick") descends to the small trunk lid of the sedan, the hatchback roofline harmoniously flows into the fifth door. There was clearly not enough aggression on the back of the Cruze. Cruise's stern in the sedan body looks lean, but a simple rear bumper and dull lighting technology discord with the courageous front of the car. The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback looks more interesting in the rear, the sloping roof gives the silhouette a beautiful finished look. Original shades of lighting technology - like drops, bumper with stampings and reflectors continue the sportiness of the front end.
Cruze sedan and hatchback with their dimensions came close to the dimensions of a car of the "older" class-D.
- Dimensions Chevrolet Cruze: length - sedan 4597 (hatch 4510) mm, width - 1788 (1797) mm, height - 1477 mm, base - 2685 mm.
- Clearance (ground clearance) is 155 mm.
Ergonomics and interior trim
Inside, Cruz pleases with pleasant-to-touch finishing materials. The steering wheel is a copy of the Opel Insignia steering wheel, the architecture of the dashboard with smooth lines and the concept of placement of controls also echoes it. The fabric inserts on the front panel look original. Beautiful and informative devices, their illumination at night pleases the eye and adorns the interior of the Chevrolet Cruze. The front seats are comfortable, with a wide range of adjustments, plus the steering wheel moves in four directions. It will not be difficult for the driver to get settled in comfort. The back row can accommodate three, but the average passenger will not sit comfortably. Surprisingly, with such a large base, legroom in the second row is in short supply. People taller than average can face unpleasant "pressure" on the top of the sloping roof.
- Trunk The Chevrolet Cruze sedan has a useful volume of 450 liters.
- The trunk volume of the hatchback body is smaller - 413 liters, but folding the rear row will get 883 liters of useful cargo volume.
Specifications and test
Key technical characteristics of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze: the car is built on the new Delta II platform. The front suspension is independent with an A-shaped lower arm (made of aluminum) and a McPherson strut, at the rear it is semi-independent with a torsion beam. Front and rear disc brakes with ABC. The Russian Cruze is equipped with two Ecotec gasoline engines from Opel stocks (since 2007 they have been used on the Opel Astra H).
Engines Chevrolet Cruze: 1.6 (109 hp) or 1.8 (141 hp), both capable of operating with a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The car is offered in three trim levels: Base, LS, LT.
Suspension Chevrolet Cruze demonstrates good energy capacity, sufficient elasticity and rigidity. The steering wheel is sharp, one might even say - nervous. The steering requires careful handling. The reaction of the wheels to sharp steering manipulations is instant, poor quality of the road surface is transmitted to the wheel rim. The car test shows European chassis settings. The Cruze brakes reliably, confidently, although it noticeably bites the front end.
Cons of the car: nervous steering wheel, poor basic equipment.
Pros: excellent handling, interesting design, comfortable interior.
Price for 2012 and 2013
Chevrolet Cruze Base (sedan) costs from 572,000 rubles (ABC, 4 airbags, front windows, CD / MP3, adjustable steering column in height), surcharge for air conditioning 25,900 rubles.
The cost of a sedan LS 1.6 from 645,000 rubles, Cruze LS (sedan) 1.8 from 690,700 rubles, Cruze LT (sedan) from 744,000 rubles.
The cost of the Base Cruze hatchback is estimated at 548,000 rubles, the richly equipped Chevrolet Cruze LT (hatchback) 1.8 (141 hp) with 6 automatic transmissions and a leather interior costs 805,000 rubles.
The Chevrolet Cruze is a 5-door C-class car that is distinguished by its practicality and versatility. This model is suitable for both novice motorists and experienced drivers, regardless of the mode of operation - the hatchback version will perfectly fit into city traffic or off-road tracks.
Chevrolet Cruze: types and modification of the hatchback version
During its history, the car was produced in two generations: the first version was developed for the older male category as a practical, but economical car, the second - as a stylish vehicle with dynamic technical characteristics for young people. The differences in the genesis are in the body form factor and engine types, and each version of the hatchback was produced both with a traditional manual transmission and with 2WD automatic transmission.
| Model / equipment | Engine volume, l | Power, l s | Gearbox type | Drive unit | Acceleration to 100 km / h, s | Max. speed, km / h | Fuel consumption, l (city / suburb / mixed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT LT, MT LS | 137 | Mechanics, 6-mortar | Front | 8.3 | 190 | 8.1/7.7/7.4 | |
| А T LTZ, АТ LT, АT LS | 1.4 Ecotec turbocharged | 137 | Front | 8.4 | 185 | 8.1/7.7/7.4 | |
| MT LT, MT LS | 1.6 Ecotec | 109 | Mechanics, 5-mortar | Front | 8.2 | 185 | 8.6/8.0/7.6 |
| AT LT, AT LS | 1.6 Ecotec | 109 | Torque converter, 2WD, 6 mortar | Front | 8.2 | 177 | 8.3/8.0/7.5 |
| MT LT, MT LS | 1.8 Ecotec | 141 | Mechanics, 6-mortar | Front | 8.3 | 200 | 10.1/9.0/8.2 |
| AT LT, AT LS | 1.8 Ecotec | 141 | Torque converter, 2WD, mortar | Front | 8.3 | 200 | 10.0/9.0/8.2 |
| MT LT, MT LS | 2.0 Ecotec | 161 | Mechanics, 5-mortar | Front | 8.0 | 210 | 9.9/9.4/9.0 |
| AT LTZ, AT LT, AT LS | 2.0 Ecotec | 161 | Torque converter, 2WD, 6-mortar | Front | 8.0 | 206 | 9.8/9.4/8.9 |
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For a short history of operation, the youth version of the Chevrolet Cruze has undergone a lot of tuning upgrades and restyling - the main direction in modernizing the vehicle was forcing the engine, as well as changing the body structure and its components in the style of Lexus or Mercedes.
Vehicle specifications
A feature of the Chevrolet Cruze model is a wide range of the engine range, including versions on gasoline and diesel fuel. With the same body dimensions and different degrees of technical equipment, it is possible to change the power of the car without changing the model range of the vehicle.
| Model / equipment | Dimensions, mm | Weight, kg |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 MT LT, AT LT | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1305 |
| 1.6 MT LS | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1305 |
| 1.6 MT LS A / C | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1305 |
| 1.8 MT LT | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1310 |
| 1.8 AT LT | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1310 |
| 1.8 MT LS | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1310 |
| 1.6 AT LT | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1315 |
| 1.6 AT LS | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1315 |
| 1.8 AT LTZ | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1319 |
| 1.8 AT LT | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1319 |
| 1.4 T AT LTZ | 4510 x 1797 x 1477 | 1404 |
The Chevrolet Cruze is a dynamic car with agility and smooth cornering. The machine has a balanced center of gravity and a rational distribution of torque, which improves vehicle stability and increases downforce. Compact body dimensions and a streamlined body enhance traction and evenly distribute air flow - Chevrolet Cruze does not experience overload or signs of wobbling, even at high speeds. 
Chevrolet Cruze, regardless of engine type and body size, is combined in various trim levels with the following parameters:
- Front drive type;
- Clearance of 156 mm;
- Tank volume - 60 l;
- Discs - 5Jx16;
- Tires - 205/60 R16;
- Wheelbase - 2685 mm;
- Luggage capacity of 413 liters and 5 passenger seats;
- Front / rear legroom for passengers 1074/917 mm.
It is interesting! Thanks to the wide variety of engines, as well as the alternative configuration of the gearboxes, the Chevrolet Cruze has become a popular car among all segments of the population. The ability to select the technical potential of the car to suit your preferences or driving style provided a powerful leap in vehicle sales in the European, American and Russian markets during the launch of car production - every 5th client of the Chevrolet salon chose Cruise.
Secondary market price: how much to sell?
A fresh Chevrolet Cruze for 109 horses and mechanics, as well as a minimum configuration, costs around half a million rubles, for more powerful versions and functionality the price increases to double the cost. 
Chevrolet Cruze is a reliable vehicle that can easily withstand dynamic operation and does not require special investments for the first 2-3 hundred thousand kilometers traveled, which ensures price fixing in the secondary market. When choosing a used Cruise, drivers more often pay attention to the condition of consumables and the appearance of the car than to technical components, and therefore, carrying out cosmetic repairs will increase the cost of the car. 
Is it profitable to buy a used Chevrolet Cruze hatchback?
From an economic point of view, a used Chevrolet Cruze is the best vehicle in terms of price-performance ratio. The car has an attractive appearance and practical design, which, together with a high operational resource and technical characteristics, distinguish Cruise from other representatives of the C class for the better. 
The build quality and equipment of all models is several times higher than the indicators of the domestic auto industry and only slightly falls short of the flagships of Japanese and German engineering.
It's worth knowing! The Cruze with an automatic transmission on diesel is the most economical option for driving in heavy traffic: a moderate appetite of the car with high agility and high-torque power will significantly reduce fuel costs without losing traffic dynamics. If you want to drive a mechanic, it is recommended to choose a model with an engine capacity of 1.8 liters on gasoline and install European gas equipment - the design of the engine and the volume of the trunk suggest the possibility of such an upgrade.
Common diseases Chevrolet Cruze: what to look for when buying?
Body coating - galvanized metal has high strength and resistance to corrosion, however, paint spraying quickly becomes covered with chips and cracks when driving on dirt roads or storage without a garage.
The trunk release button fails in case of sudden temperature changes or storage in an unheated room in winter. An inoperative button causes even new batteries to discharge, gradually deteriorating the properties of the battery.
The timing belt is a potentially dangerous part. The resource of the belt is about 60,000 km, after which it needs to be replaced, otherwise the rupture of the part is fraught with bent engine valves, which will be a pretty penny. Also, during replacement, do not tighten the belt too much to avoid premature rupture.
In case of intensive use, problems with a manual gearbox may appear in the region of 70-80,000 km when changing from first to second gear. This is due to the failure of the clutch disc, due to the violation of the integrity of the damper spring structure - this failure is considered a factory miscalculation and may cause the need to repair the gearbox during embankment handling.
When purchasing a car with an automatic gearbox, do not hesitate to carry out a test drive of the gearbox: the Cruz hydromechanics is a reliable system, however, with a mileage of 150-200,000 km, there may be dips when shifting to upper gears. This problem arises as a result of wear of the channels in the valve body, which will cause costly repairs.
Chevrolet Cruze is a reliable car that, with careful operation, can withstand up to 300,000 km without the need for major repairs, but if you purchase a used car, you should carry out a full diagnosis of all vehicle systems.
Chevrolet Cruze is a sedan of the Korean concern General Motors. This compact C-class city car replaced the Cobalt and Lacetti models. The model was developed by GM for 21 months, during which time over $ 4 billion was spent on the construction of the car. In South Korea, the car was first introduced in October 2008 as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, and in Australia it is marketed as the Holden Cruze. Chevrolet Cruze began selling on the Russian market in the fall of 2009. The model is manufactured in South Korea, for the Russian market - in Shushary (St. Petersburg), and for America - in the USA, Ohio. The Chevrolet Cruze is built on the Delta II platform, which is also used for the Opel Astra. The body of the Chevrolet Cruze is 65 percent high-strength steel. The wheelbase of the car is 2685 mm, length - 4597 mm, width - 1788 mm. height - 1477 mm. The ground clearance is 140 millimeters.
The car was created under the leadership of Taewan Kim, who designed such popular models as Matiz, Aveo, Chevrolet Epica. The curved roofline, starting from the high windshield, slopes gently towards the C-pillars and the shortened rear, giving the sedan's proportions a coupé look. At the front, large headlamp housings are striking, which cover the front corners and rush to the fenders and the sculpted bonnet. Other distinctive design features include a two-tiered grille and a protruding wheel fit.
The cozy salon is designed for five passengers. The interior design is fully in line with fashion trends: fabric inserts, soft-touch plastic, excellent ergonomic steering wheel design, stylish dashboard design. The steering wheel and driver's seat have one of the widest range of adjustments in their class, which will allow even tall owners to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Leather upholstery and heated seats are available as an option. Comfort for passengers and the driver is also provided by: power windows, air conditioning, CD-player, heated side windows and much more.
The base model has ABS, ESP and TSC on board, front, side and ceiling airbags. In addition, this complete set includes a servo, anti-theft alarm, radio and CD-player, power windows, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats.
Despite the small overhang, the trunk of the Chevrolet Cruze has a volume of 450 liters, and is increased by the folding backs of the rear seats, and a full-size spare wheel is located under the trunk mat.
At the start of sales, the car was offered with a 16-valve 1.6 l (109 hp) and with 1.8 l (141 hp) gasoline engines, which differ in variable valve opening times, both at intake and in the exhaust phase. ... This increases power as well as optimizes fuel consumption and reduces emissions. It is noteworthy that for the Korean market, the car is equipped with a more powerful, but demanding fuel quality 1.6 l / 124 hp engine. The line of diesels is represented by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 150 hp. and 320 Nm of torque. In 2009, a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 138 hp was added to the range of engines. Power plants are aggregated with two gearboxes to choose from: 5-day mechanics and 6-speed adaptive automatic. In Russia, the Chevrolet Cruze is available only with two 1.6 / 109 hp petrol engines. and 1.8 liters / 141 hp.
The steel frame of the car, six airbags and the stabilization system make the Cruze sedan one of the most stable and safe cars. In EuroNCAP crash tests, the car received a maximum 5 stars for safety. The electronic stability system of the Chevrolet Cruze makes it possible to temporarily suspend any wheel, helping the driver to keep the car on the road confidently in any weather. The front suspension includes a MacPherson with aluminum A-arms and hydraulic mounts (instead of rubber bushings), the rear suspension is a rolling H-beam with a pair of springs.
A few years later, a 5-door hatchback was added to the sedan. The production version of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback was unveiled by GM at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. With its appearance, GM expects to significantly increase the number of sales of its cars in the C class. The hatchback turned out to be faster and more sporty than the sedan, thanks to the shape of the roof and the absence of a prominent trunk at the rear. The new body shape required a decrease in the volume of useful trunk space, leaving a total of 413 liters of volume, if you fold the backs of the rear seats, the volume is 883 liters.
The hatchback has an interior that surrounds its passengers with both a warm and sporty atmosphere. It consists of smooth harmonious lines and grainy materials that are pleasant to the touch. According to European safety requirements EuroNCAP, the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, like the sedan, received five stars.
From the moment of its first appearance on our market to this day, the Chevrolet Cruze model has enjoyed the attention of the automotive community. The reason for this popularity is that this car is a good combination of solid design and reasonable price. But that is not all. Technical characteristics of the car, the most important of which is allowing it to successfully conquer our specific roads. Thus, the designers have managed to create an inexpensive, rather stylish and high-tech car that can comfortably drive around the city and beyond. Today we will take a closer look at the design, technical characteristics, ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze and its other features.
Exterior
Of course, the exterior design of the car is one of its strong points. Thanks to the curving relief roof and "inflated" fenders, the car looks very sporty and dynamic. Many "classmates" of the model lag far behind her in design. The front end matches the expensive body profile. The radiator grille is divided into two unequal parts by a horizontal stripe, and the slightly curved headlights rush upward. On the exterior, the car is very similar to a four-door coupe - one of the most fashionable body types today.
Dimensions and trunk
The Chevrolet Cruze sedan has the following dimensions: length 4597, width 1788, height 1477 mm. The hatchback is 87 mm shorter than the sedan. The station wagon is 78 mm longer than the sedan. And if roof rails are installed on its roof, then 44 mm higher. The wheelbase of the model is 2685 millimeters. The trunk volume of the sedan is 450 liters, the hatchback - 413, and the station wagon - 500 liters. A full-size spare wheel is located in the boot underground. The rear seats can be folded down to increase the volume of the luggage compartment.
Clearance
"Chevrolet Cruze" has earned fame in our latitudes not only because of its interesting design, but also because of its ground clearance, which is enough to drive into the private sector, not to worry about the car bottom. The ground clearance of the model depends on the type of body and some nuances.
The clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan is officially 16 cm. In fact, this is not entirely true. Firstly, if we take into account the lower bumper cover, it will be 2 cm less. Secondly, in the rear of the car, the ground clearance is higher due to the fact that the feed is raised. Here it reaches almost 22 centimeters.
Clearance "Chevrolet Cruze" hatchback according to passport data is 155 millimeters. If we take into account the overlay, we get 135 mm Of course, it is impossible to drive off-road with such data, but for a confident ride in our cities, it is quite enough.
And what has the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon prepared for us? The ground clearance of this modification is the same as that of the sedan. Only now the feed is a little lower, due to the increased load on it.
Increase in clearance
Chevrolet Cruze can also lose precious millimeters if the engine protector is installed. It's better not to drive on domestic roads without it. This is still a minus a couple of centimeters from the ground clearance. And if you load the trunk and put 5 passengers in the car, then the clearance will become even less. Therefore, many resort to increasing it. This is done in three ways:
- The most common way is spacers. They are liners made of all kinds of materials (plastic, rubber, aluminum, etc.), which are placed between the turns of the shock absorbers. This modification allows you to raise the car a few centimeters, but affects the comfort of passengers - the suspension becomes stiff. In addition, many experts do not recommend such interventions in the design of the car.
- Installation of larger diameter discs. This method is more acceptable for a car. It allows you to increase the ground clearance, but it affects comfort - passengers will feel the unevenness of the road more strongly.
- Well, the last, least common way is to increase the clearance between the body and the struts.
Competitors
Many will say that the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze model is not that great. It all depends on which car you compare it with. Compared to crossovers, of course, "Cruz" lags far behind in terms of ground clearance, but if you compare it with competitors in the C-class, the situation here is completely different. For example, Citroen C4 has a ground clearance of only 120 mm, Hyundai Elantra - 150 mm, Skoda Octavia A5 - 160 mm, Ford Focus 2 - 150 mm. And this is the manufacturer's data, which is indicated without regard to engine protection.
Interior
We discussed the outer part, now let's look inside. The salon also did not disappoint. It is interesting not only to see it, but also to feel it. In everything here, attentiveness to the little things can be traced. The interesting architecture and the striking fabric-look inserts on the front panel are immediately striking. But there are also enough shortcomings, which is not surprising, given the price category in which this car is located. The entire interior is replete with backlashes. The buttons are not pressed clearly and the glove compartment does not close smoothly. In terms of interior design, Cruz is definitely one of the more interesting Koreans. But if we talk about the build quality, its weaknesses will immediately be revealed.
But the interior is quite spacious. The back row can easily accommodate three adults. The driver's seat has quite tolerable lateral support and a wide range of adjustments. The steering wheel can also be conveniently adjusted for yourself.
Equipment
In the basic configuration, the equipment of the car is very ascetic: an air conditioner for an additional charge, an electric drive and front windows, a simple audio system, and blowers for rear passengers.
In expensive modifications, everything is serious: heated front seats, climate control, a multimedia system (navigator, voice control, Internet access point, rear view camera) with a 7-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, leather interior, and many pleasant things.
On the way
The design of the car indicates that it belongs to a modest but still dynamic car. Clearance "Chevrolet Cruze" slightly spoils this impression. Well, on the road, the car completely dispels all illusions about sportiness. The car can be equipped with three engines, two of which are gasoline, with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters; and one diesel - 2.0 liters of volume. There are two gearboxes: 5-speed mechanics and 6-speed automatic.
Conclusion
Today we examined the strengths and weaknesses of the Chevrolet Cruze car: characteristics, ground clearance, design, roominess, and more. The impressions of this car are very contradictory. Everything falls into place when you look at the price tag. The latest version of the car costs about 15 thousand dollars. With such a combination of price and quality, the car is very attractive. The modern design, any dynamic characteristics and clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze make it a good option for young families who like to show off in the city and go to nature.
Let's start an overview of the dimensions with the Cruise sedan. The length of the vehicle is 4,597 mm. wheelbase 2 685 mm, trunk volume Chevrolet Cruze 450 liters... The volume of the luggage compartment is small, since the designers gave more space to the passengers. The detailed dimensions of the sedan are just below.
Dimensions, ground clearance, trunk of Chevrolet Cruze sedan
- Length - 4597 mm
- Width - 1788 mm
- Height - 1477 mm
- Curb weight - from 1285 kg
- Gross weight - 1788 kg
- Trunk volume - 450 liters
- The ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan is 160 mm
Dimensions hatchback
The length of the hatchback is almost 9 centimeters less than that of the Cruz sedan, the boot volume is 413 liters, which is noticeably less than that of the same sedan. However, the Cruze hatchback has a big advantage, it is the tailgate, into which, with the seats folded, you can load almost everything that the sedan cannot boast of. Details of the dimensions of the machine are below.
Dimensions, ground clearance, trunk Chevrolet Cruze hatchback
- Length - 4510 mm
- Width - 1788 mm
- Height - 1477 mm
- Curb weight - from 1305 kg
- Gross weight - 1818 kg
- Base, distance between front and rear axle - 2685 mm
- The track of the front and rear wheels is 1544/1558 mm, respectively
- Trunk volume - 413 liters
- Fuel tank capacity - 60 liters
- Tire size - 205/60 R16, 215/50 R17
- Ground clearance Chevrolet Cruze hatchback - 160 mm
Dimensions station wagon
Dimensions, ground clearance, trunk of Chevrolet Cruze station wagon
- Length - 4675 mm
- Width - 1797 mm
- Height with roof rails - 1521 mm
- Curb weight - from 1360 kg
- Gross weight - 1899 kg
- Base, distance between front and rear axle - 2685 mm
- The track of the front and rear wheels is 1544/1558 mm, respectively
- Trunk volume of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon - 500 liters
- Trunk volume with rear seats folded - 1478 liters
- Fuel tank capacity - 60 liters
- Tire size - 205/60 R16, 215/50 R17
- The ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon is 160 mm
