The hatchback model of the Chevrolet Cruze is now available in South Africa in a 1.6 LS and 1.8 LS version.
The much-anticipated hatchback version of the Chevrolet Cruze Sedan is now available in South Africa. A lot of the hatchback’s design is identical to the sedan’s, giving this Cruze a familiar feel of style and practicality.
A noticeable all-new design feature is the restyled frontage of the hatchback Cruze, purportedly sporting a steeply raked windshield and more aerodynamic styling in order to increase the car’s fuel efficiency. According to Chevrolet, the engine options are designed to ensure a happy marriage between performance and fuel efficiency. The Cruze is available in a 1.6 LS and a 1.8 LS, both petrol engines and coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 1.6-litre Cruze hatch produces 91kW and 155Nm of torque - 11kW and 5Nm more than the 1.6 saloon. The 1.8-litre model, on the other hand, punches out 104kW and 176Nm. Safety-wise the Cruze features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a Traction Control System (TCS) as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) that controls the front and rear braking power. The Cruze also features, as standard, six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorage and front and rear crumple zones with a reinforced tubular safety cage.
The interior of the Cruze hatch has the same luxurious, soft and comfortable feel as the sedan. The hatch also features a Corvette-inspired cockpit, Radio/CD player, a jack for your iPod or MP3 player and well as Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities.
The question now is whether the Cruze has the credentials to go up against the other hatches in the same class which include the much-loved VW Golf, the Ford Focus and the Hyundai i30. The Chevrolet has a weighty and sturdy feel to it and is reasonably priced, and it seems that the 1.6-litre model in particular retains the heavier and practical sensation that one gets from the sedan. It seems that this competition will come down to very specific driver preferences and brand loyalties.
The Cruze hatch 1.6 LS retails at R212 400 while the 1.8 LS will set you back R224 800. All Cruze models come standard with Chevrolet’s 5 year/ 120 000km warranty or 3 year/60 000km service plan.
Check out MyCars.co.za for great deals on Chevrolet Cruze sedans for sale.
Image courtesy of Chevrolet.co.za