Srilanka car test

Chev’s much anticipated Cruze is currently en route to a dealer near you and GM are hoping that their plucky new world car will find favour with South African buyers in the C segment, traditionally the realm of the ubiquitous Toyota Corolla.

Overall the look is not what one would call pretty but, particularly from the frontal aspect, it does manage some presence and carries with it a slightly aggressive demeanour. At the very least, it is distinctive.

Our time behind the wheel was spent in the Natal midlands, where some rather chilly and rainy weather contributed to trying driving conditions. Overall both the 1.6 and 1.8 variants acquitted themselves well. Ride comfort at cruising speeds is a strong point, the chassis is generally taut and the ride well damped. Poor road surfaces and press on driving do elicit some wallowy behaviour though, which is not aided by the over assisted and uncommunicative power steering.

The Cruze makes no claims in the performance department, being far more content to tour or commute in comfort. With 83kW and 105kW for the 1.6 and 1.8 respectively, land speed records remain safe as both motors deliver adequate rather than effervescent urge, accompanied by a rather raucous engine note when pressing on. That said the spacious interior is a pleasant place to be with impressive fit and finish and some lovely textures, which help lift the ambience above the norm.

There’s plenty of bang for buck as even the humblest model is fitted with niceties such as colour coded everything and power windows. Perhaps more importantly, necessities asbound as well with the whole range sporting ABS with EBD and numerous airbags.

Well built and appointed, stylish and comfortable, the Cruze argues convincingly in a segment where consumers will buy with their heads, not their hearts. With a 3yr/60 000km Service Plan included in the asking price, low cost of ownership will suit budget conscious buyers.

Model Range
Cruze 1.6 L R 174,192.00
Cruze 1.6 LS R 186,126.00
Cruze 1.8 LS R 204,133.00
Cruze 1.8 LT A/T R 244,440.00