Topic: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: More Compact Car for the Money

[articsteve]

Appearance, goodies, nationalism, .... doesn't make a hoot of difference in this segment.  It's all about the finance rate.  If GM puts 0/60 on this vehicle right out of the gate it will sell well.  If not, .... fleet hell.

[Jaeger]

I'm not sure yet.  But I am hopeful that it is symptomatic of some desire on your part to be something better than a knuckle-dragging troll.  We have quite enough of those.

Pot, meet kettle. His name is Jaeger.

Coming from you, that is outrageously funny. 

Back to the car, I think I my have to take one out for a spin.  It seems to have a lot going for it.

Jaeger

[Winklovic]

LS is the base model right? I thought many compact cars don't have the cruise control standard. Available with a package, yes. Is this the case with the Cruze? I haven't checked the features/prices/option myself so I don't know, just asking.

Yes, the LS is the base model.  However, cruise control isn't even an option on the LS.

[carcrazy]

LS is the base model right? I thought many compact cars don't have the cruise control standard. Available with a package, yes. Is this the case with the Cruze? I haven't checked the features/prices/option myself so I don't know, just asking.

Yes, the LS is the base model.  However, cruise control isn't even an option on the LS.

I see. Maybe you can get it as accessory? The web site is kind of scarce on details ( I could not find a ful specs sheet). Best to check with a dealer I guess.

[PJungnitsch]

No doubt the dealer will be happy to fit an aftermarket cruise. With these drive by wire engines it's often as easy as plugging in a controller on the steering column.

[Jaeger]

No doubt the dealer will be happy to fit an aftermarket cruise. With these drive by wire engines it's often as easy as plugging in a controller on the steering column.

I'd much rather have a well-integrated (functionally and aesthetically) OEM unit than some grafted-on aftermarket afterthought.

Can't remember the last time I owned a car without cruise - it's a pretty basic requirement for me.

Jaeger

[carcrazy]

I think same manufacturers offer cruise control as an dealer installed accessory - still OEM. I'm not sure about GM thought. Not biggie for me on (any) base model, but I wouldn't buy a base model anyway.

[AirCanada]

Looks great, I especially like the two-tone interior colors. I hope we see a SS model soon!

[dougjp]

Cruze wins the British touring Car Championship. OK its hardly a version that will be available to buy. Still, win on Sunday, sell on Monday?

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=392451

[sirAQUAMAN64]

For those in the area, you can test drive a Cruze at Vaughan Mills Oct 30th (10a-6p) or 31st (11a-5p) and receive a complimentary $10 gas gift card.

If you go, relay your thoughts on the car.

[carcrazy]

For those in the area, you can test drive a Cruze at Vaughan Mills Oct 30th (10a-6p) or 31st (11a-5p) and receive a complimentary $10 gas gift card.

If you go, relay your thoughts on the car.

Thanks for the heads-up SirA. I may be able to test drive the Regal this time around (few weeks ago I did the Cruze).

[inco]

Checked one out at dealer today - it's a winner methinks but not in LTZ dress. Leather doesn't look right - too stiff and seems out of place for economy car. And since GM is pushing the economy angle it doesn't fit.

[Ice]

Checked one out at dealer today - it's a winner methinks but not in LTZ dress. Leather doesn't look right - too stiff and seems out of place for economy car. And since GM is pushing the economy angle it doesn't fit.

But they do have to compete and virtually every other compact car offers leather as standard or an option in the top trim levels. Civic, Corolla, Mazda3, 2012 Focus, I think even the Sentra does.

I saw two Cruzes on my morning run. Not bad looking in person...It'll do.

[Blue01]

So is this car going to help save GM's ass?  If their quality has improved then maybe it will.  But if it's just another Cavalier then it's just another throw away car.

[Erik]

Got to Vaughan Mills too late for the drive yesterday, but I did sit in a Cruze inside the mall. The interior quality is incredible. Now, I realize my 300C is not the definitive standard for interior quality (to say the least), but I would happily swap interiors with the Cruze. I really think it is the nicest in the class. If GM has gotten the reliability down, this car will be a major player.

[rrocket]

Got to Vaughan Mills too late for the drive yesterday, but I did sit in a Cruze inside the mall. The interior quality is incredible. Now, I realize my 300C is not the definitive standard for interior quality (to say the least), but I would happily swap interiors with the Cruze. I really think it is the nicest in the class. If GM has gotten the reliability down, this car will be a major player.

Yea...I pretty much agree.  But I think for some to switch away from an import, the Cruze will have to show a few years of reliability to get someone to ditch their Civic or Corolla.  I agree with Steve too...financing will play a pretty big role in whether this car is a success.

[johngenx]

GM needs this car to be deadly reliable from the first unit sold.  If they get a few years of top-shelf numbers, CR and others will report it, and they can finally pull away from their dismal record with respect to compact cars.

This is what Ford has done.  Word is out that Ford is now making good cars, and people I know that would never have considered a Ford five years ago (including me!) now put Ford models on their shopping list.

As for the "bland" comments, GM needs a wide appeal car to drive large volumes.  Remember that the Mazda3 is not even a blip on the radar in the segment in the US.  The vast majority of compact commuter car buyers are looking for appliances-of-transportation.

But, what of the Fiesta, says you.  Ah, why does Ford bother with the Fiesta sedan, which is pretty "bland" compared to the hatch?  For US anti-hatch commuter sales.  Expect the Focus to have a "run of the mill" sedan available which will drive good sales in the US.

[Erik]

Got to Vaughan Mills too late for the drive yesterday, but I did sit in a Cruze inside the mall. The interior quality is incredible. Now, I realize my 300C is not the definitive standard for interior quality (to say the least), but I would happily swap interiors with the Cruze. I really think it is the nicest in the class. If GM has gotten the reliability down, this car will be a major player.

Yea...I pretty much agree.  But I think for some to switch away from an import, the Cruze will have to show a few years of reliability to get someone to ditch their Civic or Corolla.  I agree with Steve too...financing will play a pretty big role in whether this car is a success.

Very true. Thankfully for GM, Toyota has taken some pretty good hits of late, so there might be some shoppers out there who would never have considered the Cruze, who may take a look at one now. While I don't think it has to be the absolute best in reliability to be a success, it does need to be at least above average.
Then, add and SS to the line, and we can really have some fun with it. Would make for a killer little car.
And one I could fit in!

[Zoo]

No doubt the dealer will be happy to fit an aftermarket cruise. With these drive by wire engines it's often as easy as plugging in a controller on the steering column.

I'd much rather have a well-integrated (functionally and aesthetically) OEM unit than some grafted-on aftermarket afterthought.

Can't remember the last time I owned a car without cruise - it's a pretty basic requirement for me.

Jaeger

I find it weird that there is no cruise on the LS trim level. There is cruise on my HHR LS with the cruise and trip computer controls nicely integrated into the steering wheel. How are the early reports on the 1.8L engine in the Cruze? Is it the same/similar to the engine in the Saturna Astra?

[drederick]

New Chevrolet Cruze Eco Achieves Segment-Leading 42 MPG On The Highway

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1111_cruze_eco

DETROIT – The official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are in and they’re good. Segment-leading good. It delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway (manual transmission models), with equally impressive city fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Cruze Eco’s highway fuel economy beats non-hybrid segment competitors – including 23 percent greater highway fuel economy than the Honda Civic – as well as the Ford Fiesta subcompact and many hybrid models. In fact, it’s better than Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

“Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefine the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities – as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price,” said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. “The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the efficiency available in a more affordable non-hybrid.”

The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge). It goes on sale in January.

To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements. The refinements in each area paid big dividends towards the car’s overall efficiency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the efficiency of future Chevrolet models.

“We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed,” said Russell. “Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluating and modifying the aspects of the car’s performance that contribute to fuel economy.”