Chevrolet Cruze Saloon 1.8 LT 4dr

For On paper, the 1.8 gives you stronger performance than the 1.6, yet it's no pricier to run because fuel economy and emissions are exactly the same. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?

Against It is. The 1.8 is more responsive than the 1.6, but it's still woefully inflexible, so it feels no faster than the 1.6; and, its larger alloys lead to a firmer ride. It's way more expensive to buy, which kind of defeats the object of buying a Cruze.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

You get plenty of kit including climate control, cruise control and four powered windows, but you pay a premium for it. Performance is still very disappointing, too.

Reader review rating

3.666667

Key facts

0–60mph: 10.2 secs
Top speed: 124 mph
Average mpg: 42.8
Tank range: 565 miles

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The Chevrolet Cruze Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Diesel is fine, petrols short on pull
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Doesn't shine on either front
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Not the quietest way to travel
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Cheap, but residuals unlikely to be great
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Massive improvement for Chevrolet
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Stability and six airbags to keep you safe
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Lots of seat and wheel adjustment
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Can't match a hatch for ease of use
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Very good, for the money

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Cruze is cheap, and the best way to maximise the value for money you get is to keep it as cheap as possible. That's why we'd recommend the 1.6-litre petrol engine. Sure, it's noisy and it feels flat unless you're revving it to the redline, but it’s not much slower than the 1.8.

There's a 2.0-litre diesel, too, but it makes the Cruze too pricey, at well over sixteen grand, especially as it only comes with higher trim levels.

The basic S (AC) is the best one to go for. Yes, LS and LT versions give you more toys, but you should only spend the extra if you can't live without them.