Published:
5 February 2012‘Cruze’ is an appropriate name here, for that is what the Chevrolet Cruze does best. Its refinement and easy-going motorway pace make for a decent long-distance tool whatever engine choice you make.
This remains the case despite power delivery from the 1.8 petrol not rewarding high-rev adventures with an encouraging soundtrack. Instead, you hear the suppressed thresh between 3500rpm and 4000rpm of a busy four-cylinder engine that isn’t particularly eager to rev beyond this point unless pressed. It’s better to row it along on its torque, even though this is no more than adequate, and wait for your cruising speed to arrive.
The Chevrolet 1.8’s unsparkling 10.2sec 0-60mph time reflects an engine that does the job, gruffly, and only if you’re committed. At least there’s an even spread of power to work with, as demonstrated by a set of fourth-gear 20mph increment acceleration times that all come in at under 11 seconds.
That said, even its budget rivals can’t muster an engine of this size or output for the money and, gruff or not, the 1.8-litre Cruze does not have to strain too hard to maintain station and make decent cross-country progress.
The 1.6 petrol offers similar attributes for less money. However, the fuel and emissions savings are marginal at best, and the loss of performance is noticeable, especially if the car is fully laden.
