We've driven it in Europe. We've driven it in China. And eventually, we'll drive the U.S.-spec, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze on America's roads -- although it's still almost a year away from Chevy showrooms. So while the general public won't be getting its hands on the new Chevy compact anytime soon, that isn't stopping GM from banging the Cruze drum loudly at the upcoming 2009 Los Angeles auto show.
The 2011 Cruze, the North American version of which will be built at GM's revamped Lordstown, Ohio, plant, is arguably as important to the General's future success, if not more so, than Chevy's electric vehicle savior and fellow L.A. show star -- the 2011 Chevy Volt. GM is making no bones about the Cruze's main mission. This is a car that must do what the outgoing Cobalt could not -- seriously challenge the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic for compact car supremacy. The automaker says the Cruze will have the refinement, build quality and options necessary to do battle with the top dogs in the segment.
Chevy's main selling point for the Cruze is GM's new turbocharged Ecotec 1.4-liter, DOHC I-4 with variable valve timing. The 1.4-liter is tentatively rated at 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. GM has predictably been hyping the engine's efficiency and its estimated 40 mpg highway, and unlike most turbos, the engine's recommended fuel is regular unleaded. There will be a base engine, a 1.8-liter four estimated to output 136 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. During our drives of the European and Chinese versions of the Cruze, we were underwhelmed with the 1.8-liter, so the extra grunt of the turbo will no doubt be welcome.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Side Interior
Mated to the Cruze's engines is a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions -- gear shifters not normally found as standard equipment the compact class. In fact, Chevy is tacking on a lot of features to the Cruze in an effort to make it stand out from the compact crowd. GM's StabiliTrak stability control is standard equipment, as are 10 air bags, electric power steering, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Germany's Opel was responsible for the basic platform that underpins the Cruze, GM's new new-generation Delta architecture. Notable features include a high-rigidity shell and relatively sophisticated MacPherson front strut geometry outfitted with hydraulic bushes and aluminum lower arms. The compact's torsion beam rear is augmented by a Watts Z-link design that GM says helps center the rear axle during cornering, which is said to improve the car's overall handling by allowing the rear to better follow the front suspension's inputs.
The Cruze's exterior look, which proudly wears a gold bowtie in the center of its two-tier grille, isn't breaking any rules, but it's an attractive -looking design with cues including swept-back headlghts, minimal front and rear overhangs, and a steeply raked windshield. In addition, rear pillars help lend it that coveted coupe-like feel automakers love so much nowadays with sedan design.
Inside the cabin, GM is billing the five-passenger Cruze as having a premium feel, top-notch build quality and class-leading sound isolation, as well as more interior and cargo room (15 cu-ft) than either the Civic or Corolla. The Cruze's twin-cockpit design is inspired by the Corvette, and it features ice-blue LED accents, soft touch surfaces and an attractive center console. Driver and passengers will also have all the latest connectivity and infotainment options, including an available navigation system, a Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, an iPod interface, XM radio and of course, OnStar.
The 2011 Cruze will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trims. The base LS trim will come with the1.8-liter engine on board, with the LT and LTZ trims featuring the 1.4-liter turbo as the standard powerplant. The LS and LT will feature 16-in rims standard, with 17-in alloys standard on LTZ. The 2LT and LTZ models are also available with 18-in alloys.
Of course, we'll know a lot more about the Cruze and how it competes in its segment when we drive and test the U.S.-spec model over the next several months. But based on the models we've driven so far and the U.S. version's impressive set of features and options , the 2011 Cruze may indeed have what it takes to stay out of rental lots and roll into the garages of customers countrywide.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Vehicle layout     Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
Engines     1.8L/136-hp/123-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4, 1.4L/138-hp/148-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4
Transmissions     6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase     105.7 in
Length x width x height     178.5 x 70.7 x 58.2 in
Headroom, f/r     39.0/37.0 in
Legroom, f/r     42.0/36.5 in
Shoulder room, f/r     54.7/52.0 in
Cargo volume     15.0 cu ft
EPA city/hwy fuel econ   
On sale in U.S.    

2011 Chevrolet Cruze