No major changes for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Introduction
Searching for a small car on Edmunds.com to find a top pick used to be quite simple. Chances are we'd point you to a Honda Civic, Mazda 3 or a, if you really wanted to fly your freak flag, a Subaru Impreza. But now things are different. There was a change of regime for small cars, and a rebel leader is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
The Cruze debuted last year as a brand new model and became both sales and critical success. The reasons are multiple, but the bottom line is that the Cross is simply a quality car. He looks sharp inside and out. Attention to detail is apparent the first time you close the door and realize that it closes with a solid conversion. The content is updated with feature options such as hard-drive navigation and input ignition / keyless. Chevy has come a long way from the Cobalt.
In motion, the Chevrolet Cruze 2012 impresses with capable handling and a quiet cabin. Under the hood you have a choice of two engines. Base LS models have a power of 136 to 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but most of Crosses, actually comes with a 1.4-liter turbo engine. Power is about the same from this smaller engine (138 hp), but torque rises significantly to give the Cruze a boost in acceleration around town. The turbo variant also sees duty in Eco Cross. Thanks to various adjustments, the Eco reaches an impressive 42 mpg highway EPA rating.
That said, looking at other models is still a wise idea. The redesigned Ford Focus is equally impressive and has advantages in handling and characteristics of the technology. The sleek Hyundai Elantra is also well rounded and arguably a better value. And even if they are not the choices that have been dominant, the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 are still great cars. But the fact is that the small car segment has changed, and the Chevy Cruze is a top contender.
Body Styles, Trim levels and options
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a small sedan that comes in four main trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.
The LS includes 16-inch wheels of steel, OnStar, a tilt steering wheel-and-telescoping, air conditioning, a six-way (manual) adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, a trip computer, full power accessories and a six speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio. One package adds Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and a steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
The Eco is equipped similarly to the LS, but is optimized for maximum fuel efficiency with improved aerodynamics, alloy wheels, low rolling resistance tires, a smaller fuel tank and some minor feature deletions to further reduce weight.
The LT really understands and subsets 1LT 2LT. The 1LT comes with a turbocharged engine, cruise control, color-keyed power outside mirrors, a leather wrapped steering wheel package content and connectivity.
The 2LT differentiates itself with 16-inch wheels alloy rims, remote vehicle start, cruise control, a sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a way power driver and six. The Cruze LTZ adds 18-inch wheels alloy rims, rear park assist, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, premium interior trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Many of the standard features found in higher levels of trim can also be had as options on lower trims. A hard drive based navigation system, a speaker of nine Pioneer premium sound system, sunroof and RS appearance package (front / rear fascias, foglights, rear spoiler) are all available in finishes higher.
Engines and performance
Cross The LS is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that makes 136 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The Echo, LT and LTZ are equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. In the LS, LT and Eco, power flows to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The six-speed automatic transmission is optional on those trims and standard for the LTZ.
In tests Edmunds, an LTZ Cross accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, an average for this class.
EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the LS Cross with manual transmission and 22/35/27 mpg with the automatic. The turbo engine (LT and LTZ) with a transmission receives 26/38/30 mpg estimates.
The fuel-economy focused Eco Cross won a commendable 28 mpg highway and 33 mpg city/42 mpg combined with manual and automatic transmission with the 26/39/31.
Security
All 2012 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, ABS brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, knee airbags front and side airbags front and rear impact as standard. All trims except the 2LT and LTZ have a setting brake front-disc/rear-drum, these models are upgraded to disc brakes on all four wheels.
In government crash tests, the Cruze has earned a top rating of five stars for the overall safety performance, with five stars in both categories of frontal and side impact. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Cruze received a maximum score of Good in both frontal-offset and side impact tests. Edmunds brake testing, an LTZ Cross stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a good distance for this class of car.
Interior Design and Special Features
The Cruze is twin cockpit interior design schemes and two shades of color offer a refined setting. General interior quality is respectable, too, with soft-touch materials in the right places, and very little that is shiny plastic. For the most part, controls the Cross are simple, though the optional navigation system can be a little tricky to use when it comes to entering information.
Cross the front seats are a bit narrow, which can be a problem for some drivers, but they offer plenty of adjustment and are both supportive and comfortable. A low pillow for the back seat reduces the comfort for longer-limbed riders, whose thighs have minimal support. Real legroom is only average for the segment, you will find more space in the Civic and Volkswagen Jetta. Considerably above average, but the trunk is large Cross, which measures a whopping 15.4 cubic feet.
Driving Impressions
The most striking feature of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is its combination of genuine athletic handling with a comfortable ride quality controlled. Cross the chassis is not particularly sophisticated, as well as economy cars go, but its design ensures safe handling and a compliant - but not mushy - ride. The standard suspension rides as well and as quietly as almost any compact car, while the sports suspension on 2LT and LTZ is firmer, but without harshness.
Most drivers should be pleased with any of the engines of the Cross. The turbo engine is very average in terms of upscale full throttle, but it is more vigorous around the city thanks to its increased torque. The main question, however, is the automatic transmission. Scheduled for maximum fuel economy, is reluctant to downshift for quick acceleration and passing unless you actually start the accelerator.
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