Chevrolet Cruze LT

Cruze LT Review

Overview:

Chevrolet, also known as Chevy is a leading automaker with its brand presence in most parts of the world. The firm has launched the face lifted version of its flagship model, Cruze, which was first introduced in 2009. The outgoing model scored well on factors like engine performance and safety levels. Now, with minor upgrades, the manufacturer has put focus on its exterior style and interior comfort as well. Here, we detail you about its entry level Chevrolet Cruze LT variant, which will give you a clear idea of what it has in store. 

Pros:

Exterior designing. Reworked to lift the style quotient.

Spacious interiors that guarantees better leg and head room. 

Cons:

Mileage is a major drawback as its competitors are offering better.

It lacks various innovative aspects such as the MYLink infotainment system, and touch controls for automatic HVAC unit.

Stand Out Features:

Engine performance, top speed and acceleration are quite good compared to its rivals.

Advanced features like ABS and dual airbags, which are offered as standard. 

Overview:

The second edition of Chevrolet Cruze gets bigger and better with enhanced exterior styling that will leave you impressed at the first glance itself. With luxurious interiors and refined exterior design, this entry level trim beats most of its competitors. As for the minor updates, we can see a new front grille, re-worked bumpers in body color, and a couple of projector fog lamps as well that add to the trendy looks it already has. Cruze LT is powered by the same old 2.0-litre diesel engine with VCDi technology that is based on DOHC configuration. This powerful engine assists this machine to dominate the opponents in overall performance. Besides these, it also comes with some crucial elements that will certainly raise the bar of safety.

Exterior:

With alluring looks and style, this latest version outclasses its predecessor. The all new dual port front grille with horizontal chrome slats escalates its looks further. That golden Chevrolet badge in the center is fancy. Bonnet is plain in design, but the center crease does add to its appearance. Front bumper is modified and houses a pair of new projector fog lamps. Dual bezel designed headlamps and DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps) are perfectly positioned. The side profile is appealing with chrome door handles, B-pillars, chrome garnished window sills, and 16 inch alloy wheels. At the rear, we can see the split tail lamps surrounding the boot lid, whereas the exhaust pipes come with neat chrome plating. Also, it includes body colored bumper and printed antenna on the rear glass that gives a complete look to its rear profile. 

Interior:

This trim has received only a few updates on the interior front. Premium black and wraparound theme for the cabin is pleasant and eye soothing. Whereas, the design of the dual cockpit has been inspired from the 'Corvette' model. Mounted on the dashboard is a triple pod instrument cluster with icy blue illumination. The electronic trip computer gives information about trip distance, average fuel consumption, distance to empty and average speed as well. It also houses a three spoke steering wheel that is mounted with audio controls. In the front center arm rest, you have a storage space with sliding lid, while there are cup holders available in the rear armrest. User comfort is further enhanced with an integrated audio system featuring MP3 player and USB port. Besides these, an auto air conditioning system, power windows with express down feature, dead pedal, and sunglass holder are also available. As for the seats, they look great monotone jet black covers that carry titanium stitch highlights. 

Performance:

This 2016 model retains the same 2.0-litre, VCDi (Variable Geometry Common Rail Direct Injection) Z-family diesel engine that returns a decent mileage of 17.3 kmpl. With 1998cc displacement capacity, it can generate power of 163.7bhp at 3800rpm and yields 360Nm torque at 2000rpm. It is incorporated with 4-cylinders, 16 valves and uses DOHC (Dual Over Head Camshaft) configuration. Mated to a 6 speed manual transmission gear box, it runs on a front wheel drive train mechanism. With a commanding engine under the hood, it ensures great performance better than many others in this segment. 

Ride & Handling:

Ride quality of this sedan is up to the mark that incorporates a proficient suspension system. On the front axle, it gets a McPherson strut and tubular stabilizer bar system, while the rear one is assembled with a compound crank type system. Additionally, both the axles are offered with coil springs and twin tube gas filled shock absorbers that lessens the jerks caused on irregular roads. A reliable disc brake system is offered along with the advanced anti lock braking system, which improves its performance further. For improved maneuverability, there is a tilt and telescopic steering wheel on the offer. 

Safety:

The Chevrolet Cruze LT certainly stands out in the segment with some of the best security features. The significant among them are the airbags for driver and co-passenger that ensure minimal injuries during an impact. For an improved braking performance, it has ABS, whereas the engine immobilizer safeguards the vehicle. Adjustable seatbelts are on offer for everyone, while you will get provision for child seat mounting as well. Moreover, it is not just these special features, but the body structure itself acts as one in giving maximum protection. Its body, which is made of reinforced tubular bars adds rigidity, whereas the front and rear crumple zones are designed to absorb the impact force in a collision. In addition to all these, the automaker has also bestowed it with dual horns, anti theft alarm, programmable auto door locking, and rear glass defogger that enhances the level of passenger safety.  

Verdict:

Here, we would like to stress on its powerful engine, which makes better power output than all its rivals. Its mileage is decent but this may not impress many. Even the ground clearance dimension will be one of its disappointing factors. On the design front, this model indeed looks better than before, but some more changes to its interiors would have been a welcome addition. Having said that this base level variant can still be preferred for an array of features it carries for this price range. However, if you are one those who would love to have it all and do not want to compromise that its better to go high end Variant or look elsewhere.