CHEVY CRUZES IN WITH RIGHT CAR FOR THE TIMES

By Clare Dear, The Ottawa Citizen - The initial impression of Chevrolet's new compact Cruze sedan is that it's a mini-Malibu - and that opinion sits well with the bow-tie brass. Their intention is to deliver mid-sized comfort, dynamics and amenities, but at compact-sized pricing and fuel efficiency. And although pricing and final fuel numbers won't be known for several months, this global product is right on target with its other objectives.

The Cruze is available in 60 markets around the world, but North Americans won't get their hands on it until the third quarter of this year.

With the compact category becoming the fastest-growing segment in the industry, coupled with the consumer trend to downsize, the timing is right for this car. It is expected to be General Motors' single largest volume small-car line globally.

During the preview at General Motors' Milford proving grounds, Chevy executives described the Cruze as a "transformational" car for the brand, a product that will be sought after by consumers and will be better than competitive models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It's expected to generate "huge volume for the brand".

As a result of that corporate focus, the Cruze is undergoing intensive testing here, even though it's a model already on sale elsewhere. For example, although it has already earned five-star-equivalent crash ratings in several overseas markets, including Australia and Europe, the North American version is undergoing extensive additional evaluations at GM's vehicle safety facility.

In addition to significant structure and system analysis, GM engineers have written off 20 to 30 Cruzes in destruction (crash) tests. During my visit, test vehicle No. 17269 sacrificed itself in a side-impact crash by taking a mid-ship hit from a 1,500-kilogram sled (with a Ford F-150 snout, no less) barreling down the track at 50 kilometres an hour.

The dust had hardly settled when technicians were scouring the remains, documenting the physical damage. From this untrained eye, the results were reassuring, with the side pillar making a limited intrusion into the cabin.

Safety is a key issue and the Cruze will be offered with a full suite of standard features, including four-wheel ABS (with brake-force distribution), electronic stability and traction controls, breakaway pedal assemblies, OnStar automatic crash notification and a segment-leading 10 air bags - two front, two knee, a pair of side curtains that protect both rows of seats, plus seat-mounted side-impact bags front and rear.

Chevrolet wants the Cruze to be a class leader in ride, responsiveness and quietness. After doing several laps on the test circuit in several Cruze models, as well as a Civic and Corolla, it appears the car has attained that goal. The suspension - MacPherson struts up front and a unique torsion beam and Watts-link arrangement in back - has a European feel (firm but compliant). The Cruze coped well on bumpy sections of track, while the Japanese competition skittered about.

Similarly, the Cruze had a noticeable advantage in the noise/vibration department. Its 18 acoustical laminated windshield with triple sealing at its base and hydraulic ride bushings, keep the cabin well isolated from road and wind noise.

The Cruze will be offered as a four-door sedan in four trim levels (LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ), with two suspension options (touring and the firmer sport package).

Two engine choises will be available - a 1.4-litre turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder generating 138 horsepower at 4,900 r.p.m. and 148 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,850 r.p.m., or a naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder that pumps out the same horsepower (but at 6,300 r.p.m.) and 123 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 r.p.m.

Transmission choices are a fully synchronized six-speed manual or the global 6T40 six-speed automatic. The gearing in the manual box has overdrive ratios in fourth, fifth and sixth to enhance fuel economy while the first three cogs are underdriven for better acceleration.

A special Eco model will be offered that uses the 1.4L turbo engine coupled with the six-speed manual. (A version using the automatic box is in the works for later introduction). Chevy engineers set a target of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway for this car, giving consumers the benefit of hybrid-like fuel efficiency without having to shell out the higher price tag such products command. However, it was made quite clear the Eco will not be a stripped model. Instead, huge effort has been exerted to reduce weight and improve the car's aerodynamics to achieve the target consumption rating.

To help the Eco model slip more smoothly through the air, the front fascia has been lowered and an air dam added. There's also an underbody belly pan and shielding around the tire wells and rear axle.

Chevy brass believe the Cruze is the right car at the right time. My initial impressions suggest they're right.