Chevrolet Cruze facelift review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

Chevrolet has not altered any of the mechanicals on the Cruze so it is powered by the 164bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. We drove the automatic version and were reacquainted with all that we liked about the Cruze. The power delivery is linear, the gearshifts are smooth and performance in general is strong. Engine refinement levels is also impressive by class standards.

Ride quality is good at low speeds but the Cruze doesn’t drive with the same heft as some rivals at speed. It’s also not the car you’d like to dive into corners in. Steering feel is so-so and the general impression is this car is made for wide sweepers than tight bends.

Should I buy one?

Chevrolet will launch the updated Cruze by the end of January and has confirmed prices will see an upward revision. The base Cruze LT manual is likely to cost Rs 15,000 more (or about Rs 14.5 lakh; estimated, ex-showroom, Delhi) while the fully loaded manual and automatic LTZ models with the MyLink system are set to cost a substantial Rs 70,000 more taking prices up to Rs 16.5 lakh and Rs 17.6 lakh, respectively. Even at the new price level, the Cruze will still be among the most affordable of the executive sedans on offer today. But to be honest, the Cruze’s value proposition is the main reason to be interested in one.

Yes, the Cruze looks attractive, has a strong engine, a reasonably long list of features but the newer competition has taken the game forward. The Cruze is down on space, quality and all-round comfort compared to rivals and simply doesn’t feel as special as it once did. What Chevrolet really should do is bring forward the India launch of the all-new Cruze. The next-gen Cruze has the potential to shake up the market as the original did way back in 2009.

Chevrolet Cruze facelift gallery