By The Ottawa Sun - The Cruze replaces the Cobalt as Chevrolet's compact conveyance. It doesn't stray too far from the Cobalt's overall dimensions, but a five-centimetre gain in wheelbase combines with an eight-centimetre increase in width for a nine-per-cent bump in passenger room as well as a slightly larger trunk.
Space gains aside, the Cruze's design closely emulates that of other Chevy sedans, especially the mid-size Malibu's horizontally split front grille and short rear deck. Fortunately, some extra creases along each side plus more pronounced fender flares provide a welcome dose of character that distinguishes the Cruze from the rest of the stable.
A check of the interior reveals a highly attractive seating area that wouldn't look out of place in a more expensive sedan. There are plastic pieces to be sure, but they're more than offset by plenty of soft-touch coverings for the wrap-around dashboard and silvery painted trim for the steering column, door-mounted speaker surrounds, steering wheel and shifter.
Given the added size and fancier seating area, it's surprising that the Cruze's standard and optional powerplants are so diminutive. The base LS is equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Move up to the LT and LTZ you'll get a diminutive 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that's also rated at 138 horsepower with with 25 lb-ft more torque. The 1.8 offers a choice of six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic, while the 1.4 turbo is only available with the automatic.
The Cruze features a class-leading total of 10 airbags, including driver and passenger-side knee airbags plus rear side-impact airbags. In addition, the standard stability control includes a rollover sensing program that will deploy the airbags if it detects the car is about to tip over.
Notable options include a premium Pioneer-brand sound package, Bluetooth short-range wireless networking, navigation system, leather-covered seats (heated in front) and 17- or 18-inch wheels (16-inchers are standard).
And you rear it here first: a hatchback version of the Cruze should make an appearance for the 2012 model year.
FACT FILE 2011 CHEVY CRUZE:
MSRP Range (pre-taxes): $14,995-$24,780
Type: Four-door sedan
Base engine (hp): 1.8-litre DOHC I4 (138)
Optional engine (hp): 1.4-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (138)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Transmissions: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic
L/100km (city/hwy): 8.5/5.5(1.8 MT)
Safety: Front airbags, side-impct airbags, front-knee airbags; rear-side airbags, side-curtain airbags
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