Chevrolet Cruze (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 01 February 2010
The Cruze represents a major leap forward compared with Chevrolet's Lacetti saloon. Bold styling, a good spread of petrol and diesel engines as well as neat handling are all things the Lacetti saloon lacks - but that's not the case with the Cruze. The diesel might be a little noisy, but at least there is one available (this was never offered on the Lacetti in the UK) with a choice of two power outputs. The interior has been attractively styled, too and although the Cruze competes on price with the Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30 and Skoda Octavia, it is significantly larger, making customers feel like they're getting more for their money.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£18,200 - £20,705

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Used price range:

£5,016 - £11,068

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Bold styling stands out from most 'value' brands, stylish interior, sharp responses

Noisy diesels, over light steering

The Cruze represents a major leap forward compared with Chevrolet's Lacetti saloon. Bold styling, a good spread of petrol and diesel engines as well as neat handling are all things the Lacetti saloon lacks - but that's not the case with the Cruze. The diesel might be a little noisy, but at least there is one available (this was never offered on the Lacetti in the UK) with a choice of two power outputs. The interior has been attractively styled, too and although the Cruze competes on price with the Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30 and Skoda Octavia, it is significantly larger, making customers feel like they're getting more for their money.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "Chevrolet is offering buyers a choice of either 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre petrol engines. The 1.6-litre..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "The Cruze provides good levels of on-road comfort while being surprisingly responsive on twisty..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "The cheapest Cruze comes without air conditioning as standard, but has a CD stereo and electric..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "Minimum luggage capacity is a substantial 450 litres - although this isn't as large as a Volkswagen..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "The petrol S model comes without air conditioning as standard although it's fitted to the diesel S."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "The sweeping curves of the Cruze's dashboard and the upmarket looking 'eclipse' effect blue backlit..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Servicing costs should be modest, and depreciation won't be particularly harsh, so the Cruze should..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "No special 'green' versions of the Cruze are available, and while the 1.6-litre petrol and the..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Cruze performed very well in official Euro NCAP crash tests, gaining the maximum five stars and..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "No major problems are expected with the Cruze. Its engines and gearboxes are used in a variety of..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "The first 100 customers to place orders were lucky enough to benefit from three years' free..."

  • Buying used

    2.5 out of 5

    "With average depreciation expected, the Cruze should be a decent used buy. There are no poor..."

  • Selling

    2.5 out of 5

    "LS or LT models will be easier to sell with their good equipment levels. Top diesel is in high spec..."

Gallery

  • Interior Chevrolet Cruze (09 on)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Cruze (09 on)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Cruze (09 on)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Cruze (09 on)

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