Chevrolet Cruze, born within the depths of General Motors' global program, is coming to replace the Lacetti. But the old-timer is not disappearing from the assembly line: it continues to be sold as long as there is steady demand for it. There is no need to fear internal competition. The Lacetti from Kaliningrad attracts with a lower price tag and the availability of three body types. The new sedan, being the sole representative of the family, wins with its memorable appearance and equally expressive interior.
How are things with the price? The Cruze is aiming for the budget segment and, among other things, will get a Russian registration — assembly will be set up at the GM plant near St. Petersburg. The final price will be announced closer to August, when sales start, but for now it is known that the difference with the Lacetti will be 6-8%. Production of the cars will begin in June.
In addition to the striking exterior, the newcomer also has technical trump cards: the body has become almost two and a half times stiffer compared to the Lacetti, the engines have become more powerful, and the driving manners are noticeably better. The spacious interior has become quieter, and the chassis gives confidence on the road, not forgetting comfort and safety.
Among the three versions for the Russian market, the 1.8-liter with a manual gearbox looks the most harmonious. Acceleration does not amaze the imagination, but the engine honestly delivers its displacement. A six-speed automatic is also available with it, though then you will have to pay for convenience with temperament and acoustic comfort. The 1.6 version — only with a manual, it is clearly designed for sedate and economical drivers.
 | NEW QUALITY The interior fully matches the bright exterior. The plastic with a soft look texture very plausibly imitates soft, and the assembly almost raises no complaints. On the central tunnel there are convenient recesses for cups, and next to them a power outlet is built in. The instrument panel with large scales is effectively illuminated and perfectly visible at any time of day or night | |||
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Manufacturer's data
ENGINE
1796 cm3, petrol, 4 cylinders,
141 hp at 6200 rpm,
176 Nm at 3800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
Manual, 5 gears,
front-wheel drive
DYNAMICS
max speed – 200 km/h,
acceleration 0-100 km/h – 10.0 s
DIMENSIONS (mm)
length – 4597
width – 1788
height – 1477
ECONOMY
average consumption –
6.8 l/100 km