2016 (all new) Chevy Cruze LT 1.4t automatic

[regfootball]

---------

DRIVEN:

2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT 1.4t automatic (all new model) MSRP around 24,700

Includes technology package and sun and sound package

 

HIGHS:

-Ride....PLUSH

-QUIET inside...OMG quiet for this class of car

-good OOMPH from the fairly smooth 1.4t, which really has some of the character of the current 1.4, that is to say no lag and a willingness to rev (just smoother and much less noisy / buzzy).

-TRANSMISSION is nicely responsive to the turbo.  It takes some gas pedal sometimes, but mostly on the spot.

-HANDSOME interior.  Comes off as tidy, handsome, classy, attractive.  Dash, doors, console, etc.....no issues on any plastics, and the dash cloth even looks good.  Super tight on the seams for all the different finishes.  Great steering wheel, and the displays are all good.  Center controls are minimal and very nice to use and look at.  This is perhaps the biggest attraction of the car.......you can drive ALL day in this car.

-COMFORT.....less console intrusion vs. outgoing model means room to SPLAY your 6 foot legs and not bang so much into the console (and climate control switch).....shoulder space and armrest are nice.

-Great view out of the car, mostly in the front but very panoramic.  I use this term repeatedly but it's true, it's not a BUNKER.

-LEG ROOM....second row has some more leg room now vs the outgoing.  Relaxed rear seat angle makes for comfortable seating for most also.

-STYLING....for those that are sick of the outgoing version, the new Cruze has styling more akin to the competition (Asian makes mostly)

-TRUNK.......very deep and high and wide.  A big trunk for this class of car and the finish is more than tasteful and adequate.

-Touchscreen is quite attractive and nice in function and very crisp display.  It looks better in the Cruze than the Volt or Malibu because it is not in the guise of an iPad popping out of someone's uterus with blatancy.

-I really liked the sunroof overhead...seems like a ridiculous comment but it really helped at to the classy feel of the car here, and seemed larger and less like a slot.

-The heated seats are in this package with the cloth seats....thanks Chevy for not making us pony up for the leather here.

-The usual GM stuff, OnStar, 4GLTE, and now Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

-I am not sure how GM is doing it, making these really light cars feel so solid and secure on the road, but this is another example of it, its BILLET in feel.

-Even the hefty smooth feel when you open and close the doors on this car, more like a Buick.....feels far more premium in comparison to the 16 Civic i tested again right before this.

 

LOWS

-Some may criticize the new styling to be a little bland or a little too Asian (Hyundai / Kia / Honda / Mazda)

-Again, like the new cousin Malibu, the front seats feel a little insubstantial in materials and structure.

-C'mon, throw in a leather wrap on the steering wheel here.......

-Steering is a bit too slow and neutral (although probably set right for an LT / base model....perhaps the up level trim will have quicker steering with more feel)

-Cabin volume might actually be a bit less than the outgoing...at a minimum, the cabin feels a bit narrower, and us six footers have to duck our heads a lot more to get under the rear door opening.  Feels like the shoulder space is down a bit from the outgoing one (most notably in the rear).

-a 1.5 or 1.6 would be a good up level engine choice for the consumer to have (or even a 1.8 for a little more zip)

-Makes the outgoing Cruze, which is a good car, feel REALLY dated, like 10 years old

-I'm really struggling for lows here......serious when i say that.

-I think its a low when a smaller Cruze is actually a more desirable drive than the similarly new and very good Malibu, that's how good this is.

 

SUMMARY

 

Winner, winner, CHICKEN DINNER.  This really is a nice car in so many ways.  And perhaps the biggest complement i can say here is this would be a REALLY great all day trip car....i mean that....a great road vehicle compared to the outgoing one because of how refined and quiet it is.....user friendly, cushy, LUXURIOUS even.   I like the new Malibu, but I like this car even more......enough such that I would probably desire to drive this more every day.  I would even recommend this to my mom to replace her Cadillac if she just wanted something small and well priced.

 

Grade = A.  This car IMO should be the winner of the next compact class comparison in the magazines.  If not, it's a crime (THE MAZDA IS NOT THAT GOOD).  Now i think i know why there haven't been any reviews on it yet in the press.  I bet on tax day the reviews come out and blast the net, and they will all be good reviews.

 

I can't wait to try an RS package one or an LTZ / Premier........

 

 

EDIT......06/03  second test drive of Cruze LT, scroll down for later post.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 4, 2016 by regfootball

[regfootball]

Motor trend and car and driver both have reviews up. Motor trend even copied the chicken dinner bit

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-chevrolet-cruze-14t-automatic-review

http://www.motortrend.com/news/2016-chevrolet-cruze-first-drive-review/

Edited April 18, 2016 by regfootball

[G. David Felt]

Very cool, so awesome to hear that GM is building a worthy compact auto for the masses.

[Cmicasa the Great]

The last Cruse and Verano.. not to mention, Sonic and Volt were all awesome compacts (sub), but these latest efforts are 2 steps better. The steering commentary I think is a non-issue because I really think that they may have a nice surprise in store with an "SS" and truth of the matter seems that having a "sports" compact is a secondary, by a longshot, concern for 90 percent of this market

[El Kabong]

I'd like to see a performance version as well. Not everyone wants a Camaro 2.0T for inexpensive speed.

[G. David Felt]

I'd like to see a performance version as well. Not everyone wants a Camaro 2.0T for inexpensive speed.

+1 

 

As well as an AWD version to put the STI in it's place.

[cp-the-nerd]

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Edited April 19, 2016 by cp-the-nerd

[G. David Felt]

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

 

Well my car isn't getting any younger, and I have to consider what I'd get as an affordable replacement if it died or was totaled. A new Cruze 5-door was looking pretty attractive (for band gigs), but I've gotta have a stick shift if I'm gonna be stuck in a low power mainstream car.

[Suaviloquent]

It's a damn good car.

 

I think it's actually the Impala of its class. As in you drive it, and you feel like you're driving a classy car.

 

GM said they were going after amazing NVH, and in a compact that is to be lauded. I wonder if they're using active noise cancellation. Of imagine if it's a Buick and Cadillac exclusive, the Verano should be downright SHEA BUTTER SMOOTH. Mnnnn....Donuts...

[G. David Felt]

 

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

 

Well my car isn't getting any younger, and I have to consider what I'd get as an affordable replacement if it died or was totaled. A new Cruze 5-door was looking pretty attractive (for band gigs), but I've gotta have a stick shift if I'm gonna be stuck in a low power mainstream car.

 

I thought the new versions had Torquey engines to not give that impression with an auto?

[cp-the-nerd]

 

 

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

 

Well my car isn't getting any younger, and I have to consider what I'd get as an affordable replacement if it died or was totaled. A new Cruze 5-door was looking pretty attractive (for band gigs), but I've gotta have a stick shift if I'm gonna be stuck in a low power mainstream car.

 

I thought the new versions had Torquey engines to not give that impression with an auto?

 

 

What I mean is that I need the fun and involvement of a manual transmission if I'm stuck in a mundane car. The only thing that keeps me content in my Malibu is the sound and power of a brawny V6, flappy paddles, and a shift pattern that I wrote myself. If I have to go from a low 14 second car to a cheaper car with 100 less horsepower and an automatic, I'll drive from the dealership straight off the nearest cliff.

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

 

 

I agree at this point due to the fun to drive factor of automatics... sorry manual lovers, but unless U live in Texas.. and I mean BIG Texas and not Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fortworth, or Austin, then U really get more frustration than anything else these days with congestion the way it is. I love my Stingray's 7Speed... but I love my CTS-V's 8Speed more

 

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

 

Well my car isn't getting any younger, and I have to consider what I'd get as an affordable replacement if it died or was totaled. A new Cruze 5-door was looking pretty attractive (for band gigs), but I've gotta have a stick shift if I'm gonna be stuck in a low power mainstream car.

 

 

 

In the end.. U should have tested the manual out before U read what they said. It may just influence your decision some how even when U do now.

[regfootball]

The last Cruse and Verano.. not to mention, Sonic and Volt were all awesome compacts (sub), but these latest efforts are 2 steps better. The steering commentary I think is a non-issue because I really think that they may have a nice surprise in store with an "SS" and truth of the matter seems that having a "sports" compact is a secondary, by a longshot, concern for 90 percent of this market

 

The LT for steering was very good to meet the expectation of those who want a mid level trim car as a commuter.

 

I have no doubt with the premier + watts link and revised steering its fine for those who want it a bit sharper.

 

The car just came out too, we'll have a performance version down the road.  

 

Really, it is amazing, I drove the civic turbo and this back to back, and the Civic is a nice car.  But the turbo has lag, not tire spinning torquey, and what ruins it is the CVT and typical Honda tinny / noise crap.  Get in the Cruze right after and its quiet and feels refined, like a little luxury car.  I'm friggin shocked.  

 

Like I said, for the bulk of the population, I don't see how this is not the best compact out there.  No way general folks won't like the quietness of it and make it #1 vs the Civic and Mazda if they drive it.  The lame ass buff books will still call the Honda and Mazda the winners, and honestly its a lie for them to do that.  

 

By the way, what i found strange most of all was how much quicker the 1.4 cruze felt than the 1.5 malibu.  I bet there is a full second diff in the 0-60, withe Cruze being faster.  The 1.5 Malibu runs out of breath quickly.  The Cruze winds up and lasts longer.  You gotta gas it to downshift, otherwise it might feel slower.  The Cruze feels like a mid 7 second car.  

Edited April 19, 2016 by regfootball

[regfootball]

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

the outgoing Cruze had a really sweet manual, and i agree, manuals are on the way out.  I love driving a stick but now again I am sick of them, and to be honest they will be regulated out of existence I feel.  You can't shift faster or better than an auto, autos get better mpg, and being stuck in traffic in a manual in between shifts and the need for sudden acceleration etc, i believe they will try to prove them unsafe.

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

The last Cruse and Verano.. not to mention, Sonic and Volt were all awesome compacts (sub), but these latest efforts are 2 steps better. The steering commentary I think is a non-issue because I really think that they may have a nice surprise in store with an "SS" and truth of the matter seems that having a "sports" compact is a secondary, by a longshot, concern for 90 percent of this market

 

The LT for steering was very good to meet the expectation of those who want a mid level trim car as a commuter.

 

I have no doubt with the premier + watts link and revised steering its fine for those who want it a bit sharper.

 

The car just came out too, we'll have a performance version down the road.  

 

Really, it is amazing, I drove the civic turbo and this back to back, and the Civic is a nice car.  But the turbo has lag, not tire spinning torquey, and what ruins it is the CVT and typical Honda tinny / noise crap.  Get in the Cruze right after and its quiet and feels refined, like a little luxury car.  I'm friggin shocked.  

 

Like I said, for the bulk of the population, I don't see how this is not the best compact out there.  No way general folks won't like the quietness of it and make it #1 vs the Civic and Mazda if they drive it.  The lame ass buff books will still call the Honda and Mazda the winners, and honestly its a lie for them to do that.  

 

By the way, what i found strange most of all was how much quicker the 1.4 cruze felt than the 1.5 malibu.  I bet there is a full second diff in the 0-60, withe Cruze being faster.  The 1.5 Malibu runs out of breath quickly.  The Cruze winds up and lasts longer.  You gotta gas it to downshift, otherwise it might feel slower.  The Cruze feels like a mid 7 second car.  

 

 

 

 

The Mazda 3 is a nice car, but just from pics I can bet the Cruze has one upped them at least. The Cruze is a segment leader in sales.. and only fell in sales last year because of the change-over. Magazines act a if they don't kno this.. and completely forget that the new Cruze was supposed to debut a year ago. I think the idea was to essentially kill the Chevy Car line.. and Reboot it almost simultaneously with a Camaro, Volt, Malibu, Cruze SLAM.. riding on the wave of the Stingray, Impala, and SS. The Sonic and Spark got makeovers too.

 

As for the acceleration difference between the 'Bu and the Cruze.. Yeah.. I have read that it might be the case. But there for those who want a faster Malibu... the 250HP Malibu 2.0L Turbo actually is almost as fast as my 3.6L Impala. STEPPING STONES I think is the way they are modelling it, so I don't find it strange at all. 

[regfootball]

Yeah I've driven the 2.0 Malibu and that has plenty of go juice. Thing is. Cruze is 30/35/42 mpg. Malibu 2.0 is only 22/26/33. Huge mpg diff

[Cmicasa the Great]

Yeah I've driven the 2.0 Malibu and that has plenty of go juice. Thing is. Cruze is 30/35/42 mpg. Malibu 2.0 is only 22/26/33. Huge mpg diff

 

 

Just different approaches.. especially concerning size. I mean one could make the same assessment coming out of a 535 and getting into a 335i. Also.. in terms of fuel economy.. as far as I kno.. the Cruze will be stopping at 30/35/42, while the Malibu does have a hybrid pulling in 47/46/46 and a 0-60 time in the exact same numbers as the Cruze, while being a larger car.

[ccap41]

 

Yeah I've driven the 2.0 Malibu and that has plenty of go juice. Thing is. Cruze is 30/35/42 mpg. Malibu 2.0 is only 22/26/33. Huge mpg diff

 

 

Just different approaches.. especially concerning size. I mean one could make the same assessment coming out of a 535 and getting into a 335i. Also.. in terms of fuel economy.. as far as I kno.. the Cruze will be stopping at 30/35/42, while the Malibu does have a hybrid pulling in 47/46/46 and a 0-60 time in the exact same numbers as the Cruze, while being a larger car.

 

Aren't we supposed to see a diesel Cruze yet? That thing will eat up that 47/46/46 of the hybrid Malibu. The ratings may not be there but diesels are known to easily out due their ratings anyway. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

 

Yeah I've driven the 2.0 Malibu and that has plenty of go juice. Thing is. Cruze is 30/35/42 mpg. Malibu 2.0 is only 22/26/33. Huge mpg diff

 

 

Just different approaches.. especially concerning size. I mean one could make the same assessment coming out of a 535 and getting into a 335i. Also.. in terms of fuel economy.. as far as I kno.. the Cruze will be stopping at 30/35/42, while the Malibu does have a hybrid pulling in 47/46/46 and a 0-60 time in the exact same numbers as the Cruze, while being a larger car.

 

Aren't we supposed to see a diesel Cruze yet? That thing will eat up that 47/46/46 of the hybrid Malibu. The ratings may not be there but diesels are known to easily out due their ratings anyway. 

 

 

 

 

Yeah.. but its diesel tho. Sorry, but I have never been a fan of Diesels, and have always been confused as to what so-called enthusiasts saw in them. Sure they have nice torque.. but they are slow in most situations. To fuel economy.. it is usually a wash.. as diesel fuel may get U better MPGs but the cost is normally $.15 higher than regular

[Frisky Dingo]

Wish I could have driven one of these before I left the GM store I worked at. I really like how they look, and am a big fan of the outgoing Cruze. Based on my impressions of the Malibu, I have no doubts this is a fantastic vehicle.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

 

MT's take on the manual transmission was really negative, which is a damn shame. There were no major complaints about the stick shift in the Sonic or outgoing Cruze.

 

"Acceleration is nice and smooth with the six-speed automatic, but our single biggest gripe with the new Cruze is with the manual transmission’s shifter. The top of the knob is bigger than average and borderline clunky, the need to pull up on a little button under the shifter to get reverse feels antique, the shift throws are slightly long, and the shift action feels way too light. It seems as if its engineers didn’t expect many takers, which will of course probably be the case, and hence didn’t sweat the details."

Shame that they had that to say, but then I really think Manuals are the way of dodo birds and should go to the history books.

 

the outgoing Cruze had a really sweet manual, and i agree, manuals are on the way out.  I love driving a stick but now again I am sick of them, and to be honest they will be regulated out of existence I feel.  You can't shift faster or better than an auto, autos get better mpg, and being stuck in traffic in a manual in between shifts and the need for sudden acceleration etc, i believe they will try to prove them unsafe.

 

 

Better MPG is questionable conclusion, the EPA test procedures are clearly biased toward the pre-programmed gear shifting of an automatic. In the vast majority of cases, owners of manual transmissions still report higher fuel economy than their automatic counterparts (with equal gears). I also don't see any viable case to call manual transmissions "unsafe," it's a clear defense against distracted driving and these modern cars have hill-hold assist when stopped on an incline, rev matching, and no-lift shifting to prevent mistakes.

 

From what I've seen, Americans have become disenchanted with driving itself in favor of automation and technology. It's certainly EASIER to drive an automatic, and we live in an age where easy defaults to "better."

[daves87rs]

Will be driving one of these soon.....will be looking at the hatch too...

[regfootball]

the combined mpg on the new gas Cruze is 35 mpg.  The combined mpg on the outgoing diesel is like 33.  There is huge mpg improvements over the last gen.  I will not be surprised to see a combined 40+ out of the 17 Cruze diesel.

 

If it gets here........and the global diesel witch hunt doesn't take it out.

[G. David Felt]

the combined mpg on the new gas Cruze is 35 mpg.  The combined mpg on the outgoing diesel is like 33.  There is huge mpg improvements over the last gen.  I will not be surprised to see a combined 40+ out of the 17 Cruze diesel.

 

If it gets here........and the global diesel witch hunt doesn't take it out.

I would not be surprised to see the Diesel replaced with a Hybrid based on the VOLT system.

[Suaviloquent]

Wut... Look, I like Voltec as much as anyone else, but TWO products based off of D2XX using the same drivetrain, one a sedan, another a hatch is waste of time and money,

 

No one would buy a Voltec Cruze. 

[regfootball]

i think some would, however, GM is putting all the marbles in the pot with the Malibu hybrid.  Makes sense......a larger car can see more mpg gains and bury the high cost easier.

 

I think that GM will bring the diesel Cruze for 2017....the current one has some teething pains but this new one will be 4 years old (the powertrain) by the time it gets here.  The car itself will be 10-15% lighter and the engine itself will be more efficient.  I would predict a combined era of over 40mpg easily.

 

Gas prices may be on the way back up (they may reopen wells in ND plus the cheap pre election gas will go away after the election).  i will predict 35/56/43 mpg for the Cruze diesel......  this should find a niche of at least 15-20k diesel drivers a year, if they offer it in LT trim

[Oracle of Delphi]

On a side note, I wrecked a Chevy Cruze rental last week on a weekend get a way, $7000.00 damage and the damn airbag never went off, although that may be a blessing in disguise, with all the airbag issues going on today. The Cruze folded up like an accordion, but hey I'm still alive and that's the important thing right? That and the fact I didn't wreck my Porsche company car ...  

[Drew Dowdell]

That Cruze did its job right if you walked away fine.

[hyperv6]

I'd like to see a performance version as well. Not everyone wants a Camaro 2.0T for inexpensive speed.

 

Here is the problem by the time you make a performance version of this car it would cost as much or more than a Camaro Turbo. 

Then if you add more performance and AWD then it climbs to SS pricing at $35k - $42K like the Ford AWD Turbo Focus RS.

 

Making a small AWD Turbo performance car is not easy to make cheap and if you have a Camaro Gen 6 in the same show room even harder to sell.

 

I would love to see it but the numbers would be small and expensive. I speculate the RS will have a short run in the states unless Ford is ok with low volumes.  

[smk4565]

Needs an RS model with a 1.6 or 1.8 liter turbo with 200 hp.  The Buick Cascada engine could work.

 

I agree with Hyper, if you put 300 hp, awd, etc in a Cruze it becomes a $35,000 Cruze and no one wants a $35,000 Cruze.  A 1.6 liter turbo doesn't really cost any more than a 1.4 liter turbo, an RS package could cost $2,000 with the bigger engine, 18" wheels, bigger brakes, some sport styling, etc.  Then you have a $26,000 Cruze RS and a $24,000 Cruze LTZ.  Or whatever they cost, I didn't look at pricing, but they can make a 200 hp Cruze affordable, and under $25k probably.

Edited May 18, 2016 by smk4565

[El Kabong]

There's a big horsepower range between the top Cruze and the turbo Camaro. I think a 200-220hp FWD Cruze variant would be a reasonable compromise for many.

Edit: I was beat to the punch by five seconds

Edited May 18, 2016 by El Kabong

[hyperv6]

The new Cruze is all about pricing and trying to keep it affordable while making it a better car. People in this class generally buy what they can afford and is the best value. Offering quiet and decent feel at a good price is important. 

I do wish they had tuned the steering better as it is numb and fixing it would not hurt sales or add to cost.  Things like leather wheels etc I understand but at least make it an option so it could be added by those who want it. 

 

The Malibu has more income to play with as the folks in this segment generally may not be able to afford a Benz but they can afford more and in this segment the competition is the toughest. Also they are fighting the Utility aspect of the CUV segment that is claiming more and more sales at the same price. 

If they can keep pricing right this car should do well. The styling is not my favorite but the public is buying asian cars with no issue so it should not hurt. 

The Diesel will be offered and again not sell in great numbers but at least they are trying. 

One thing for sure oil prices will go back up at some point and even today stories of it happening are out. While it may not have the importance today of what it may have in a couple years automakers need to continue to grow this segment. 

The Engine stop may be an issue for some folks and could be a problem for sales. It works fine and all but some folks just do not like change like this and that could be a deal breaker with no shut off switch. In a few years more cars will have it and it will be accepted by no other choice but for now it will suffer the pain of adaption. 

 

GM should do well here and it will help grow the brand. I expect the improvements to continue to come as they finally have the  money to finish cars finally and will have more time to work on them since they will not be coming out of chapter 11 with many models needed to be updated. 

[hyperv6]

There's a big horsepower range between the top Cruze and the turbo Camaro. I think a 200-220hp FWD Cruze variant would be a reasonable compromise for many.

Edit: I was beat to the punch by five seconds

 

a 220 HP engine as an option would be nice but in this segment performance is now defined by 275 and more with even more torque than HP.  If they were to do a real performance model it would need more power. I would just add the 200 Plus HP engine as a regular option. But because of the coming CAFE and the fact this segment is more based on cost of the car and operating cost I suspect we may not see it. 

 

If I were to do a hatch with performance I would re badge the Opel OPC model as a Buick and target a GTI and Mini. At least then you could help justify the price and lower volume with global sales with Opel and Holden just as Ford does with the RS global sales. 

[regfootball]

seen a few in the wild now (one is a drivers ed car) and have seen old cruze red with RS right next to the new one in red with RS package.

 

The outgoing Cruze looked Muhrican and had swagger.  New one just isn't as "GM" or as crisp, or as sporty.  It is very much more Asian and softened.  Anonymous, almost.

 

Cruze's macho styling had set it apart.  New one probably appeals even more to the vanilla appliance crowd.  In that aspect, if it conquests some prior Asian car owners, then its probably successful.

[ocnblu]

Not wowed at all by the new Cruze's styling.  Especially in the lower trims.  Looks like it is riding on 12 inch rims.  Like a parade float or something.  The only one that looks good to me is the Premiere RS, and even then it needs moar WIDE TRACK.  I really wanted to love the Cruze hatch that is finally coming to America, but I am afraid it will look dorky in anything other than top-line trim... and the Premiere comes only with an automatic.  Gotta have a stick shift in a pedestrian car to liven up the driving experience.

 

As far as styling goes, the outgoing Cruze has aged very well, imo.  Definitely more macho in stance than the new one.

Edited May 19, 2016 by ocnblu

[regfootball]

sexy affordable cars, the number of them available keeps getting less and less.

[ocnblu]

Strangely the '17 Sonic looks more "wheels to the corners" than the new Cruze, am I alone in this?  The '17 Sonic hatch looks quite good, imo.

[Drew Dowdell]

Strangely the '17 Sonic looks more "wheels to the corners" than the new Cruze, am I alone in this?  The '17 Sonic hatch looks quite good, imo.

 

It probably is.

[regfootball]

Killer styling costs zero to very little extra.  Parked next to the outgoing Cruze, it's extremely evident how much swag is lost.

 

It's not UGLY though.........pleasant, at least.

[regfootball]

Took another spin in a Cruze LT today.

 

Pretty nice car although this time the powertrain to me was a little more fusty in stop and go driving.  Car is still quieter and smoother than previous Cruze.  I think an owner would 'learn' how to manipulate the throttle exactly over time to get the car to drive smoothly overall.  Car is smoother at just long set and forget cruising.

 

Cabin is quite and well trimmed.  Size of interior is good for class of car, but still far off of a midsize.  So if you need more room, gotta move up a class. 

 

Civic is notably more accommodating in leg room and overall cabin space i believe.  To be honest, it would come down to an either or choice for me, I really would give equal consideration to the new Civic.  Both cars are done nicely.

[balthazar]

I agree with Hyper, if you put 300 hp, awd, etc in a Cruze it becomes a $35,000 Cruze and no one wants a $35,000 Cruze.

 

Sure they do, in fact they want a $42,000 Cruze !

 

[Drew Dowdell]

Took another spin in a Cruze LT today.

 

Pretty nice car although this time the powertrain to me was a little more fusty in stop and go driving.  Car is still quieter and smoother than previous Cruze.  I think an owner would 'learn' how to manipulate the throttle exactly over time to get the car to drive smoothly overall.  Car is smoother at just long set and forget cruising.

 

Cabin is quite and well trimmed.  Size of interior is good for class of car, but still far off of a midsize.  So if you need more room, gotta move up a class. 

 

Civic is notably more accommodating in leg room and overall cabin space i believe.  To be honest, it would come down to an either or choice for me, I really would give equal consideration to the new Civic.  Both cars are done nicely.

 

The fact that you consider the Cruze and Civic and "either or" speaks volumes for where Chevy once was and where they are today.  However, I'm guessing that an extended drive in the Civic would show you the amount of road noise that the Honda has compared to the Cruze.

[regfootball]

Drew, the road noise in the Civic is evident the first time you get up to speed, only takes about 30 seconds to find that out.  Yup, it's the big concern with the Honda.  I am not sure why Honda persists in this.  They sell what they can make regardless.  It's just that it makes their products feel cheap.  Maybe the sheeple don't care.

 

Civic just has the youthful attitude now that the last Cruze had.

 

Wonder if they make 'noise cancelling' floor mats, or is that called Dynamat.

 

Problem with the new Civic now is, it's so spot on the for younger set, I don't want to drive something that the young punks drive.

Edited June 7, 2016 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

It's a problem across the entire Honda lineup right now.

[surreal1272]

Needs an RS model with a 1.6 or 1.8 liter turbo with 200 hp.  The Buick Cascada engine could work.

 

I agree with Hyper, if you put 300 hp, awd, etc in a Cruze it becomes a $35,000 Cruze and no one wants a $35,000 Cruze.  A 1.6 liter turbo doesn't really cost any more than a 1.4 liter turbo, an RS package could cost $2,000 with the bigger engine, 18" wheels, bigger brakes, some sport styling, etc.  Then you have a $26,000 Cruze RS and a $24,000 Cruze LTZ.  Or whatever they cost, I didn't look at pricing, but they can make a 200 hp Cruze affordable, and under $25k probably.

No one seems to have a problem with a $35K hi-po Focus and they would not have a problem with a $35K hi-po Cruze.

[Suaviloquent]

The Accord is fairly quiet. So is the Pilot. Might as well mention the new Ridgeline.

 

The new Civic is quieter than the last one, so there it's improved. But you get in the Civic, it's just a larger car too. It's packaging is still one step ahead of GM. 

 

So they're equals, and in that case if you want value, well I think the Honda and Cruze are neck and neck, and GM is trying to raise residual values by reducing fleet.

[ccap41]

 

Needs an RS model with a 1.6 or 1.8 liter turbo with 200 hp.  The Buick Cascada engine could work.

 

I agree with Hyper, if you put 300 hp, awd, etc in a Cruze it becomes a $35,000 Cruze and no one wants a $35,000 Cruze.  A 1.6 liter turbo doesn't really cost any more than a 1.4 liter turbo, an RS package could cost $2,000 with the bigger engine, 18" wheels, bigger brakes, some sport styling, etc.  Then you have a $26,000 Cruze RS and a $24,000 Cruze LTZ.  Or whatever they cost, I didn't look at pricing, but they can make a 200 hp Cruze affordable, and under $25k probably.

No one seems to have a problem with a $35K hi-po Focus and they would not have a problem with a $35K hi-po Cruze.

 

Agreed.

Focus, GTI/R, STI.. 

[Drew Dowdell]

The Accord is fairly quiet. So is the Pilot. Might as well mention the new Ridgeline.

 

The new Civic is quieter than the last one, so there it's improved. But you get in the Civic, it's just a larger car too. It's packaging is still one step ahead of GM. 

 

So they're equals, and in that case if you want value, well I think the Honda and Cruze are neck and neck, and GM is trying to raise residual values by reducing fleet.

 

Er.. no.  The new Pilot is a lot less quiet than the old one. 

[regfootball]

I know the Accord and Civic are both loud.

 

Cruze that is outgoing was fleeted out a lot the last 2-3 years, so to cut back on fleet with the new body style only makes sense.