Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015) At A Glance
Good value for money. Also comes with a six-speed automatic. Decent VCDi diesels. Driver and passenger seats both height adjustable.
Lacks more sophisticated rear suspension of Astra on the same platform.
The proportions of the body are very pleasing from all angles. And though ‘C Sector saloons aren't offered by many manufacturers, they are precisely what a lot of people want, particularly the recently retired who have got hooked on golf.
It's got everything most people are likely to want, it drives, rides and handles decently, and it's a really good looking car.
Reviews for Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 to 2.0 VCDi Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–51 mpg
Out on the road, the steering is light, but with enough ‘feel' to let you know what the wheels are doing. Our 1.6S could hardly be called a tearaway, but it had only done 600 miles, so the engine was still ‘tight'. Handling and roadholding are perfectly safe, and fine for most people's requirements. North West Monsoonal weather conditions ensured we checked that out with due diligence.
In contrast, the 2.0 150PS diesel LT at a rather more money grabbing £15,195 (£3,700 more than the perfectly adequate 1.6S) at first seemed a disappointment. When the engine is relatively cold there's very little pulling power under 2,000rpm and it's reluctant to trickle along at low revs. It improves as it warms up, but the fuel metering is nothing like as precise as a VAG Piezo system and can leave the engine gasping if you leave it in too high a gear when you're turning into a roundabout, for instance.
But eventually I got used to it, and also to its inclination to understeer, which can be countered by letting it move a little bit on its tyres. I guess if I could settle into the car in half an hour, any owner could in a day or two. But I'd still question the wisdom of forking out that extra £3,700 for the benefit of just nine more miles per gallon on the combined cycle. The cheaper, lower spec 125PS version, coming late summer, will obviously narrow this particular gap, of course.
Finally, we got to try the 1.8LT automatic that comes in at £14,695. Though a 6-speeder, it doesn't hunt between gears in the 30 and 40 limits and is pleasant to drive. On the motorway it cruises at the same relaxed 35mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th as the diesel does in its top gear. Its disadvantage, of course, is a relatively high CO2 of 184g/km that puts it in Band J for road tax.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 38–43 mpg | 10.9–12.7 s | 153–174 g/km |
| 1.6 Automatic | 36 mpg | 12.9 s | 184 g/km |
| 1.7 VCDi 110 | 76 mpg | 12.2 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.7 VCDi 130 | 63 mpg | 9.6 s | 117 g/km |
| 1.8 | 38–43 mpg | 10.0–11.1 s | 155–174 g/km |
| 1.8 Automatic | 36 mpg | 11.5 s | 184 g/km |
| 2.0 VCDi | 43–52 mpg | 8.5–10.3 s | 141–175 g/km |
| 2.0 VCDi Automatic | 42–45 mpg | 9.4–9.9 s | 167–177 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
83%
Real MPG
19–51 mpg
MPGs submitted
51
Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 450–469 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4597–4603 mm |
| Width | 1788 mm |
| Height | 1477 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm |
The large 450-litre boot easily swallows two sets of clubs lying sideways in the handy indentations behind of the wheel-arches, with enough space for two compact trolleys tucked away in front of them.
Another unusual but much requested feature is height-adjustable driver and passenger seats across the range, starting with the £11,495 1.6 S model, which also has air-conditioning, electric front windows and electric mirrors.
Sold already? I'll go on. The fascia is nicely styled with the radio controls set sensibly high. There are adjustable cup-holders between the front seats and bottle-holders in the doors. There's enough leg and headroom for three across the back.
Chevrolet Cruze (2009 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4597–4603 mm |
| Width | 1788 mm |
| Height | 1477 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1285–1432 kg |
| Boot Space | 450–469 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £13,795–£20,705 |
| Insurance Groups | 14–23 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–I |
| Official MPG | 36.2–76.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until June 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.7 VCDi 110 LTZ Nav 4dr | £20,095 | 76.3 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.7 VCDi 130 LTZ Nav 4dr | £19,795 | 62.7 mpg | - |
On sale until January 2015
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.7 VCDi LTZ 110 4dr | £20,095 | 76.3 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.7 VCDi LTZ 130 4dr | £19,795 | 62.7 mpg | 9.6 s |
On sale until June 2012
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 VCDi LTZ 4dr | £18,200 | 52.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LTZ Auto 4dr | £19,205 | 44.8 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LTZ Executive 4dr | £19,700 | 52.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LTZ Executive Auto 4dr | £20,705 | 44.8 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until October 2011
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 LS 4dr | £14,530 | 43.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.6 LS Auto 4dr | £15,810 | 38.1 mpg | 12.7 s |
| 1.6 S 4dr | £13,805 | 43.4 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 LT 4dr | £15,605 | 42.8 mpg | 10.2 s |
| 1.8 LT Auto 4dr | £16,910 | 38.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LS 4dr | £16,670 | 50.4 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LT 4dr | £17,330 | 50.4 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LT Auto 4dr | £18,610 | 42.8 mpg | 9.4 s |
On sale until April 2011
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 LS 4dr | £14,520 | 41.5 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.6 LS Auto 4dr | £15,845 | 36.2 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.6 S 4dr | £13,795 | 41.5 mpg | 11.8 s |
| 1.8 LT 4dr | £15,595 | 41.5 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.8 LT Auto 4dr | £16,945 | 36.2 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LS 4dr | £16,665 | 51.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LT 4dr | £17,325 | 50.4 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.0 VCDi LT Auto 4dr | £18,645 | 42.2 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until January 2011
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 VCDi S 4dr | £15,045 | 51.4 mpg | 10.3 s |
Model History
August 2008
All-new Chevrolet compact family car unveiled , made debut at Paris Motor Show October 2008 and went on sale in spring 2009. Inside, has a twin-cockpit design, with a distinct centre console dividing the front into separate areas for the driver and passenger. At launch, three engines were offered: 1.6-litre 112PS and 1.8-litre 140PS petrol units, both with variable valve timing for optimal power, fuel economy and exhaust emissions, or a 2.0-litre 150PS common-rail turbodiesel.
September 2008
Shown at Paris Motor Show. Designed and engineered by GM-Daewoo in Korea, effectively replaced Lacetti. The four-door Cruze on show will be the main seller, not just in the US, but in Asia too – big markets such as China and Japan favour the saloon style – which is why it’s being launched before the Europe-oriented five-door hatchback and estate versions, which will break cover next year.
March 2009
Chevrolet Cruze UK Prices announced from £11,545 on-the-road. On sale from July 2009. Choice of four engines – 1.6 (113PS) and 1.8-litre (141PS) petrols featuring variable valve timing for maximum performance and efficiency, plus two diesels, both 2.0-litres and with a choice of 125PS or 150PS power outputs. Automatic transmission will be offered on the petrol models.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 S has remote central locking, follow-me-home lighting, CD radio system, electric front windows, a fully-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, six airbags, ESC, soft-touch cabin materials, and premium blue-backlit dashboard dials. The 1.6S A/C model, at £11,995, also adds air conditioning.
Chevrolet LS model includes air conditioning as standard, plus other upmarket features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.
Chevrolet Cruze LT comes with 1.8 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel and cruise control, climate control, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, an upgraded high-output stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.
- 1.6 S £11,545
- 1.6 S A/C £11,995
- 2.0 VCDi S A/C 125PS £13,495
- 1.6 LS £12,595
- 1.6 LS auto £13,695
- 2.0 VCDi LS 125PS £14,095
- 1.8 LT £13,595
- 1.8 LT auto £14,695
- 2.0 VCDi LT 150PS £15,195
February 2010
Top model Cruze 2.0 VCDi LT with six-speed torque converter automatic announced £17,145 on-the-road. The six-speed transmission can operate in full auto mode, saving drivers the legwork in heavy traffic, yet at the same time offers a manual shift function, offering all of the performance and flexibility of a manual gearbox when needed. Powered by a 150PS 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine, it accelerates from 0-60mph in an impressive 9.6 seconds, on to a top speed of 124mph. Yet at the same time, it offers 42.2mpg combined Combined with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
July 2010
Chevrolet BTCC styling pack for Cruze. The ‘CS’ styling kit consists of 18-inch white multi-spoke alloy wheels, lowered suspension, a boot spoiler, unique CS graphics and matching tailored carpet mats. The CS Kit is available on all trim and engine variants of the Cruze at the time of order, and costs £1,595, including VAT fully fitted, at participating Chevrolet retailers from mid-July 2010 onwards.
What to watch out for
One (only one) report of a driveshaft snapping.
03-02-2011:In the USA, a new axle shaft (or halfshaft) for the right front wheel could be in order for some 2011 Chevrolet Cruzes with the 1.8-liter engine. In T.S.B. 11225B issued on Nov. 15, General Motors said road splash could cause corrosion on the shaft, leading to a fracture if the corrosion were severe. The company will replace the parts on all models susceptible to the condition. Owners of affected cars should receive a letter about the repair.
29-11-2016:On automatics the brake pedal switch may fail or become detached, locking the quadrant in 'Park'.
21-12-2017:Automatic transmission failure reported on 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8.
