Today morning, test-driven the the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Introduction...
Chevrolet in Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet
Chevrolet Worldwide...
http://www.chevrolet.com/
About Chevrolet logo...
http://www.logoblog.org/chevy-logo.php
... Chevrolet first used its "Bowtie emblem" logo in 1913. It is said to have been designed from wallpaper Durant once saw in a French hotel. More recent research by historian Ken Kaufmann presents a compelling case that the logo is based upon a logo for "Coalettes". Others claim that the design was a stylized Swiss cross, in honor of the homeland of Chevrolet's parents ...
Chevrolet in Malaysia...
http://www.chevrolet.com.my/
Specs...
Engine EcoTec 1.8LT
1.8-litre, DOHC, 16V, 140HP, 176Nm,
6-speed Auto,
ABS, EBD, ESP, ESC
CBU from South Korea
OTR w/o Ins: RM98,767.60
To sum up my review, it's somewhat similar to this video 1...
Video 1... Video 2...
Crash-test 5 star NCAP...
Video 3...
Exterior Design...
Video 4... Video 5...
Interior Design...
Video 6...
Chevrolet Cruze WTCC (FIA World Touring Car Championship) race...
Video 7...
4hrs. race at Nurburgring...
Video 8...
.
Since the car launch, I've been logging-in to Malaysian Chevrolet website and filling in the form for a test-drive.
Finally, yesterday afternoon (Saturday), did received a call for test-drive on today (Sunday) at Jaya Jusco, Balakong.
I was there before 10am, and from a far there seen 2 units of Chevy Cruze in Blue and Red color near the door entrance.
Later took a few snapshot while waiting for SA (Sales Advisor) to come.
The Bangi Chevy Showroom now are doing some sort of a Roadshow there until early July.
External Design...
In terms of design, the Cruze is nice looking with firm and sturdy macho appearance.
Un-mistakenly, the Americans really does know how to design cars that are contemporary looking and doesn't over do it.
In layman's terms, the design is evergreen and will last quite a long time.
There is nothing much to comment about the exterior because at almost every angle, the car is just damn good looking.
Side mirrors doesn't come with signal but electronically foldable.
This car is surely for those American mind of thinking.
Interior Design...
The dashboard is of periscope binnacle design, which looks common on newer cars these days.
The center console is of nice design and quite practical to reach from the driver side.
The RPM, Speedometer is well spaced with the fuel gauge and temperature meter nicely put on top in between both.
Dashboard is flush and curvy but the fabric theme on the dashboard itself is kind of weird.
Why do they design fabric on the dashboard, just because it need to follow the theme of the fabric seats?
The car comes with telescopic steering and height adjustable seats.
At the center console on top of the Audio System seat the info display (DIC - Driver Information Center) and near the audio switch a menu knob something like a mini iDrive Menu-like in the BMW (see iDrive function in BMW to learn more).
This is kind of impressive for a budget, non-premium Compact car.
The doors slams with a slight thud almost as good as the Forte.
The Drive...
First impression, the steering (hydraulic) and pedal accelerator is quite light but the brake pedal does bites.
A slight tap on the brake pedal will produce instant effect, and that's not good during slow jams and queue.
Drive on bumps and man-hole is just moderate but absorbs quite well.
The Kumho Optimum tire is marginally quiet and non-intrusive on Highway speed even at 120km/h.
Pick-up exiting ramp entering the Highway is good and 6-speed Auto gearbox is marginally smooth on up-shifting.
This car will definitely produce good FC because driving at 2,000RPM will produce 120km/h.
Air-con is cozy and well ventilated all round.
Since I can't do a fast cornering to see the handling of the car, I did a "No. 8" fast turns a few times at an empty car park space and body-roll is acceptably moderate.
What this means is, you can take fast corners with confidence and car TC (Traction Control) will take care of everything for you.
Safety...
The car comes with 5-stars NCAP crash-test ratings including ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TC (Traction Control), ABS (Anti-Lock braking Syetem), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) and 2 front air-bags.
Conclusion...
Another additional Compact car segment comparable to Mazda3, Altis, Slyphy, Civic, Avante, Forte, etc.
Just test-drive one, who knows, this Macho car might be in your driveway someday.
Why do you need an American car..? Because it's different and you want to be different from others.
If you don't change cars every 5-7 years, this car is worth check-out and be on you car suspect list.
