CHEVROLET CRUZE SALOON REVIEW

Performance

2 out of 5 stars

Petrol power comes from one of two engines, a 1.6 or a 1.8. The numbers may sound pretty good, but performance isn't. Both engines are really flat unless you rev them to their limits, and if you come up against the slightest incline, you'll probably need a downshift. The 2.0-litre diesel has much more pull, so it's much easier to drive, but choosing it will make your Cruze pricier than it should be.
Ride & Handling

2 out of 5 stars

The Cruze is a budget car, and you can feel it in the way it drives. The ride has a jiggly quality, and can really get caught out by more vicious bumps and potholes. As for the handling, it's no better than acceptable. The body doesn't lean unduly in bends, but grip isn't particularly strong. The steering's quickness and lightness can make it feel a little twitchy at speed, and you don't get much feel in corners.
Refinement

2 out of 5 stars

Because the petrol engines have to be worked so hard to keep you going at a decent pace, you're subjected to a loud, thrashy soundtrack for too much of the time. The more relaxed diesel is much quieter and smoother, but it isn't as silky as the best diesel engines in the small family car class. Wind noise is never a problem, but craggy surfaces can kick up a bit too much road roar.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The Cruze undercuts its more recognisable rivals considerably, but perhaps the biggest selling point is Chevrolet's Five Year Promise, which comes on every one of the company's cars and includes five years' warranty, servicing, roadside assistance and MoT test cover. Bear in mind that resale values are pretty weak, though, and the Cruze is not particularly good on fuel or CO2 emissions, either, which pushes up the running costs for both private buyers and company car users.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

There's no doubt about it, the Cruze is a colossal step forward in quality for Chevrolet. The dash materials are hard to the touch, but they look smart and they're interestingly textured. However, hunt around in the lower reaches of the car, and you'll find some areas where the quality controllers have slipped up. Chevrolet is a bit of an unknown quantity on the reliability front, but it shouldn't be any worse than General Motors' other brands.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Hopefully, you won't be cruising for a bruising in the Cruze. Stability control is standard across the range to help you avoid getting into a pickle, and six airbags are on hand to keep you from harm if said pickle is unavoidable. An engine immobiliser is fitted to every model, along with deadlocks.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

You get height and reach adjustment for both the seat and the steering wheel, so you can tailor your driving position to suit you. However, the strangely shaped seat is a tad short on lower back support. All the various switches and gizmos are easy to find and operate, and while rear visibility isn't as good as you get in most hatchbacks, it's not bad for a small saloon.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The back seats have a decent amount of legroom, but the sloping roofline means headroom is a little tight. A narrow cabin and chunky centre tunnel also mean that carrying three across the rear bench is best avoided. The Cruze gives you a fairly big boot to stash your stuff in, plus split folding rear seats to extend it if the need arises. The saloon bodystyle means a narrow opening, though, so it can't give you the practicality that a hatchback can.
Equipment

3 out of 5 stars

Despite the Cruze’s budget price tag, there’s a half-decent level of standard kit. Entry-level S (AC) models have remote central locking, electric front windows, a CD player and air conditioning, while LS models chuck in alloy wheels, front foglights, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The range-topping LT trim gives you climate control, cruise control, electric rear windows, and automatic headlights and wipers.