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Automotive Traveler Magazine: Vol 2 Iss 1 Page 89

The Cruze also promises to save customers money at the pump, with expected highway fuel-economy ratings from 35-40 m.p.g.

With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the standard 1.8-liter will deliver an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 36 m.p.g. on the highway. With the available six-speed automatic, the 1.8-liter will deliver an EPA-estimated 22 m.p.g. in the city and 35 m.p.g. on the highway.

Cruze LT and LTZ models feature the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine, which delivers 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,850 r.p.m. and 4,900 r.p.m. Paired with a standard six-speed automatic, the engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 m.p.g. in the city and 36 m.p.g. on the highway.

The Cruze Eco model, which goes on sale later this year, will be the most efficient model of the lineup. Eco models will feature the 1.4-liter turbo and a standard six-speed manual transmission. Combined with enhanced aerodynamics, weight optimization, and reduced rolling resistance, the Cruze Eco is expected to deliver a class-leading 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

In the United States, Cruze will offer more class-leading standard safety features, including 10 airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, a collapsible pedal system, and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Cruze is the first passenger car to receive the maximum scores in the European New Car Assessment Program tests since the organization began providing crash test ratings in 1997. The Cruze received a maximum 16 points in the frontal offset collision test and a maximum eight points in the side-impact crash test against a moving deformable barrier.

My short introductory drive last month in Southern California was a very positive experience. While I didn't get to test any of the safety features on the production-level 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ I drove, I was mightily impressed by its fit and finish.

In fact, such aesthetic details surpassed those of several other recent GM models--specifically the Chevy Equinox crossover and even the Buick LaCrosse--and rivaled those found on the Cadillac CTS station wagon. High praise indeed.

The best measure of the car's fit-and-finish excellence was the tight gap between the instrument panel and each front door trim panel: You could barely slide a sheet of paper between the two.

On the road, the ride was firm yet compliant with extremely low noise levels inside the cabin--testimony to the well-designed acoustic package. Subjectively, the interior appeared larger than that of its competitors. And the front seats in particular were certainly comfortable, offering outstanding levels of support while not being overly bolstered.

If the Cruze falls short in any area, it's styling. The car is very conservative. Its exterior will no doubt be compared to the cutting-edge 2011 Ford Focus and the upcoming Hyundai Elantra, which is expected to share the swoopy, almost coupe-like styling of the mid-sized, almost full-sized Sonata. Then again, the benefit of styling that avoids being trendy is that the Cruze will age well and not look dated deep into the car's expected lifecycle.

Overall, the 2011 Chevy Cruze is an appealing package. It's certainly competitive with the current class leaders and surpasses them in many important areas, especially safety.

The market doesn't stand still, however. How Chevy continues to update the Cruze lineup will go a long way towards establishing this new player in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive segment. Might we see a two-door sports model with a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four at some point?

I am convinced Chevy has a winner on its hands, especially with the Volt drawing new traffic to showrooms. Many new car buyers will see the 2011 Cruze as a viable alternative if driving a plug-in hybrid is not a necessity.

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