Out goes Cobalt and in comes a car the company is pitching as having the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact. It's on value for dollar and fuel economy that GM is hoping the Korean-designed global Cruze can pry away market share.
There aren't any technological breakthroughs here, but as new design direction for the brand, it's looking good: well proportioned with a powerful-looking front end and wide rear stance (although that's its weakest angle). Engineered for strength and with a low centre of gravity, it offers good fit and finish and a rigid body that shows up in creditable and quiet handling, and good feedback for a compact car.
The model I tried comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-litre inline four-cylinder turbo, but the turbo is hard to detect.
The cabin is roomy and pretty, with a unique cloth dash (unless you pay for leather) that may prove impractical depending on the colour. Headroom and legroom aren't a problem, and the front seat pushes way the heck back for a cavernous footwell should your inseam require such a thing.
It's competing on safety, too, with the most airbags in the segment (10) including front, side air curtains, side impact front and rear, and front knee airbags.
Another plus is infotainment, with OnStar, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation available.
With its major competitors starting around $16,000 and the base (LS) Cruze at just shy of $15,000 (well less than Corolla and Elantra, too), it's still reasonably equipped with Stabilitrak, traction control and ABS, power windows and lock, and remote keyless entry.
Optional on LS are OnStar and a six-speed automatic transmission. The LS+ adds $1,755 and XM radio, air, and an up-level radio display, with an optional connectivity package, floor mats and the automatic transmission.
Both come with a 1.8-litre engine and 16-inch steel wheels. The LT Turbo (starting at $19,495) comes standard with the 1.4-litre turbo engine and auto transmission, body-colour power heated outside mirrors, cruise and floor mats, with optional connectivity and convenience packages, Pioneer audio, sunroof and remote start.
The LT Turbo+ adds the connectivity package, leather-wrapped steering wheels and $1,375 to the LT price. It also switches out the steel wheels for 16-inch alloys that make its handling much more competitive with Mazda3 and Civic. Options include an RS appearance package, convenience package, Pioneer audio, navigation, sunroof and remote start.
At the top of the line is the LTZ Turbo for $24,780 with four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport chassis, chrome door handles, heated leather seats, convenience package, Pioneer audio, LTZ cluster with compass, rear park assist, remote start and automatic climate control. It's a shame you have to go up that high to get the heated seats, but it's still pretty reasonable with the RS appearance package, navigation and sunroof as options.
There's also a Cruze Eco trim for the LT Turbo price ($19,495) with a six-speed manual transmission, ultra-low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, and aerodynamic enhancement including an air shutter system that senses wind conditions and activates electric motors that open and close shutters to reduce drag at high speed and improve cooling at lower speeds.
GM expects highway fuel consumption as low as 5.0L/100km, a figure that's competitive with small hybrids.
Initially, GM is giving a choice of incentives: no-charge winter tires or a CruzeConnect package with a 16-GB iPad with OnStar MyLink mobile app.
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