The Chevy Cruze

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is full of surprises. Like the fact that the all new 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has more interior space than Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. But why not see for yourself. Cruze is not only roomy, it’s easy on the ears too. A triple-sealed, acoustic-laminated glass windshield and liquid-applied sound deadeners are just some of the techniques used to help quiet road noise.

The Chevy Cruze has a 5 Star Safety Rating.

Cruze also looks out for you with 10 standard air bags.¹ And technologies such as StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and four-wheel
antilock brakes help you stay on the road and in control.

Plus, every Cruze has the OnStar² Directions & Connections^® Plan — including
Turn-by-Turn Navigation — standard for the first six months. Hands-free calling is available with Bluetooth^® wireless technology³ for select phones. An available USB port⁴ for your iPod^®5 and standard XM Radio⁶ for three trial months give you plenty of entertainment options. And with the “Chevrolet Connect powered by OnStar” mobile app, you can receive real-time vehicle diagnostics, unlock your doors, check fuel levels and more right from your smartphone.

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Small cars have always been held in lower esteem. “They’re cramped and cheap,” everyone used to say. Put those people in a Chevy Cruze, however, and you’ll likely get a stunned silence instead. With a global team working on it, the Cruze is an exceptional car that’s comfortable anywhere, built to high standards and filled with premium materials. Its compact dimensions make it maneuverable and economical the world over, and the Cruze logged 4,000,000 miles while under development, more than most cars and a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to leading the segment with the 2012 Cruze.

It’s definitely a Chevy: just look at the bold styling. The two-segment grille is the family nose, and the Cruze looks sporty with its raked windshield and arched roof. The wheels have been pushed out to the corners of the bodywork, a nod to both performance and maximized interior space, giving an air of muscular confidence.

To support the precision build quality, the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant was retooled with the most modern equipment. The resulting Cruze is endowed with a strong bodyshell that earns five-star crash ratings everywhere the Cruze is sold. A premium look is enhanced by restrained brightwork and detailing, and has already proven a hit in other regions of the world.

Cruze’s looks will immediately garner attention, but its interior is what will shut the mouths of detractors. Premium materials define the interior atmosphere. The standard audio system has MP3 capability and an auxiliary jack, and music fans can step up to a nine-speaker Pioneer system with USB port for easy iPod integration. Bluetooth connectivity and a navigation system are also available, and the optional leather upholstery and reasonable price will have your friends’ jaws gaping. The 2011 Cruze isn’t just a small car, it’s a premium small car.

Trim levels will be LS, LT and LTZ, and an RS Appearance Package will be available to dress up LT and LTZ models. RS Package models will get revised fascias, a rear spoiler, foglamps and rocker-panel extensions. RS interiors are dressed up with a new instrument cluster carrying chrome accents and blue backlighting. All Cruze models have a serenely quiet demeanor and are packed with 10 standard airbags including roof rail head-curtain, rear-seat side and new front-seat knee airbags.

Power is provided by efficient Ecotec four-cylinder engines. Standard in LT, LTZ and Eco trims, a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with variable valve timing delivers 138 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque – output numbers you’d expect from a 2.0-liter engine. The 1.4-liter is good for 40 mpg on the highway in the Cruze Eco with six-speed manual transmission. The Cruze LS gets a 136-hp 1.8-liter engine that foregoes the turbocharger, but keeps the rest of the high-tech features such as a lightweight block, dual overhead cams with continuously variable timing, a variable intake manifold and an electronically controlled cooling system. Both engines are compact and efficient and deliver strong, flexible power.

Transmissions are six-speed units, whether automatic or manual. Fuel economy is maximized with a tall overdrive gear, and the Cruze Eco gets specific gearing in its six-speed, helping it top the fuel economy ratings for the Cruze lineup – its 40 mpg estimated highway mileage is also expected to be best in class. The smooth and carefully packaged six-speed automatic carries ActiveSelect control that allows racing-style sequential gear changes, and drops into neutral when stopped, which enhances smoothness and reduces fuel consumption. The Cruze Eco features enhanced aerodynamics (including lowered ride height, a lower front air dam extension and numerous underbody panels), ultra-low rolling resistance Goodyear tires and unique, lightweight, 17-inch aluminum wheels, all of which contribute to its outstanding fuel economy.

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a handsome, well-made, world-class small car. Not only will its quality and equipment level astonish, the fact that it’s from Chevrolet is equally impressive. Anyone who says small cars and domestic brands aren’t any good will eat their words after an encounter with the Cruze. Reserve yours today.