Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze (Courtesy: GM)

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Shopping for a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze? MSRP: $16,800 - $23,190

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The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan that has replaced the Cobalt in the Chevy lineup, providing a more solid extension of a wavering compact-sedan timeline that includes now-defunct names such as Cavalier, Nova, and Corsica. Currently, the Cruze takes on an extensive list of rivals, including the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta, and Dodge Dart.

Although the Cruze follows a global platform that was first released in some markets in 2008, it was fine-tuned for the U.S. and introduced here for the 2011 model year.

Compared to most of the compact-sedan competition—especially next to some of the more flamboyant new designs like the Elantra or Focus—the Cruze looks a little conservative on the outside; but inside its interior makes a strong presentation, with an upscale feel and rich materials that feel inspired by VW products of yore (before the current version of the Jetta, which feels more cost-cut). Take into consideration the wide range of adjustability and excellent seats, along with the huge trunk, and the Cruze feels almost like a mid-size sedan, with an excellent ride, too.

The one thing that the Cruze doesn’t quite deliver on is sportiness. The base LS, with a 136-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, tends to be perfectly adequate but noisy and harsh when pushed; Eco, LT, and LTZ models all step up to the 1.4T engine, which makes 138 hp and more torque at lower rpm—making it feel like the perkier choice with either transmission. It’s also smoother and feels more like a premium engine. Both engines can be equipped with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, and the star of the lineup is arguably the Cruze Eco model, which comes with a manual gearbox and achieves 42 mpg on the highway.

Unlike most former GM compact-car efforts, the Cruze is the best in its class with respect to safety. With standard rear side-thorax airbags and front knee bags, in addition to all the usual safety features expected in this class, the Cruze stands on solid ground for occupant protection. Indeed, it’s achieved top five-star results from the government in every subcategory, as well as IIHS Top Safety Pick status—making it one of the safest picks its size and weight, in the world.

The Cruze’s feature set is also more in step with those of mid-size sedans than with other compacts; even the base LS includes keyless entry, air conditioning, power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system. LT models get USB, Bluetooth, and remote start, while the LTZ includes items such as automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and park assist. Heated seats and touch-screen navigation are on offer in the LTZ.

There were no major changes to the Chevrolet Cruze lineup for 2012. But looking ahead, GM has confirmed that a clean-diesel engine option is due for the Cruze, likely for the 2014 model year.