Chevrolet Cruze

1/23/09

Update: I just had a phone conversation with Phil Colley, Advanced Technology Communications, GM Powertrain, about the Cruze sedan that was at NAIAS. Phil wanted to clarify that the 1.4L and 1.8L engines that will be offered in the U.S. Cruze are NOT direct injection. That's very curious because I heard what sounded like fuel pump pulsation coming from that sedan. Could it have been a prototype with a DI engine installed? In any case, Phil has asked that I clarify that the Cruze will not be launched with direct injection. Fair enough.

Original 1/19/09 Post:

I was trying to get some shots of a locked Chevrolet Cruze when a representative offered to open its doors for me. I was very appreciative and began to shoot away, when suddenly, like locusts, cameras came at the car from every angle. It seems that everyone in the area took this door unlocking to be a sign that now was the perfect time to get their own photos.

What I am left with are a few shots, but not the great assortment of pictures that I had been hoping to bring you. What I don't think the photos do a very good job of is convey the uniqueness of the fabric panels on the dash and doors. It's a nice effect and one that you'll see more of going forward (think Chevrolet Spark for one).

Is the Cruze going to drink everyone else's milkshake? If it was on the market today? Yes, I think it just might. Will it be able to do this when it finally arrive here in the States? That's much tougher to predict because the competition doesn't stand still. Let's just say that at a minimum, the Cruze will have its staw in the milkshake glass.

Overall the design is pleasing, if a bit innocuous. Certainly an improvement from the Cobalt which is simply too vanilla for my tastes. The interior is by far the biggest winner and you'll see what I mean when you get a chance to check it out for yourself.

As the Cruze drove by me during GM's press conference, I heard a loud clatter from the direct injection system. You'd have almost sworn it was a diesel! I chalk that up to a pre-production car that had been pressed into parade duty. I spoke with some GM powertrain folks and they are well aware of how to quell direct injection noise, so I'm not too worried about it. On a side note, as reported by Automotive News, some of the first Cruzes to be sold here may be powered by European sourced engines due to financial troubles delaying engine plant construction here in the States.

I have never been impressed by the Cobalt, but the Cruze looks to remedy this situation. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for this new model to arrive and start building a new reputation for the brand's smaller cars. Provided that GM will stick with its formula of over delivering on content and undercutting on price, the Cruze has a real potential to be a perception changer for Chevrolet.