Chevrolet Cruze facelift review, test drive

What is it?

This is the updated Chevrolet Cruze and it’s the model that will hold fort until the all-new one arrives in India in 2017. The update brings with it tweaked styling and more equipment.

The focus of the facelift has been at the front end. Chevy’s trademark two part grille remains but now has softer contours and new horizontal chrome slats that add some bling. The front bumper has been redesigned too and now features projector-type fog lamps with ‘C’-shaped chrome shrouds that also house the new LED daytime running lights. The distinctive kinked headlights are carried forward unchanged though. At the rear, the Chevy gets a new lip spoiler but it’s a detail that’s easy to miss. In all, the makeover may not be all that comprehensive but it does work as refreshes go.

There’s little new that immediately catches the eye in the cabin as well. The basic design of the dash, the average plastics and even the cabin colours are same as before. However, the Cruze for 2016 gets Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system and this is sure to attract buyers. The system can play audio through Bluetooth, USB and aux-in and also features the Gracenote app that accurately displays artist and song information that’s downloaded using the paired phone’s internet connection. The MyLink system includes an internet radio app called Stitcher too but we could not get it to work. While the MyLink system doesn’t break new ground it’s easy to use and the screen is responsive enough to inputs. However, drivers will find reaching the screen quite a stretch. Just as well then that the system’s voice recognition function works well and allows you to use audio and Bluetooth telephone functions without taking your hands off the steering wheel. The system supports a few additional voice functions for Apple devices though there’s no CarPlay. Also of note is that Chevrolet has given the Cruze a new reverse camera system. Top-spec LTZ versions, as the one featured here, continue to feature a sunroof, automatic wipers, partial electric adjust for the driver’s chair (the backrest adjust is still manually operated), keyless go, leather seats and four airbags. Unfortunately, there are still no air-con vents for the rear seat passengers.

As for comfort, the nicely bolstered front seats offer good support. Those seated in the rear will be comfortable but won’t get the same sense of space as they would in something like the Toyota Corolla.