Chevy Cruze launched

THE all-new Chevy Cruze was launched last March 20 amid much fanfare and excitement.
Backed by a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and an all-new powertrain line-up, the Cruze also heralds the introduction of a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand.
Developed to satisfy refined tastes in design and chassis performance, the Cruze will spearhead the launch of a series of new products that share its design and quality standards. Quite simply, Chevrolet believes the introduction of Cruze has ‘moved the goalposts’ for products seeking to compete successfully in its segment.
Exterior Design
The multi-national design team, based in Korea with input from colleagues in Germany, the United States and Australia, were tasked with delivering an all-new compact, notchback sedan that will re-energize the Chevrolet brand.
An arching roofline, extending from the steeply raked windshield into the slim rear pillars, is the defining exterior feature of the Cruze. Combined with a relatively short rear deck, it brings four-door coupé-like looks to this market segment for the first time.
The Cruze has a well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. A distinctive concave shoulder line flows along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid and is set to become a new signature Chevy design feature. The upscale visual appearance is also reinforced by clean, uncluttered bodywork free from moldings or trim.
The signature dual-port grille carries Chevy’s gold bowtie with a new air of self-confidence. It is flanked by distinctive headlamp housings, with ‘jewel-effect’ detailing, that sweep up, arrow-like, to a point in the front fenders. Neat rear styling includes flush-mounted tail light clusters, each molded with two circular shapes, echoing a traditional Chevy twin light styling motif.
Interior Design and Features
Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the five-seater cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. It is a high quality execution that transcends the compact value segment.
The core interior design theme is a modern expression of a traditional Chevy styling cue – the signature ‘twin cockpit’ layout of the Corvette, a motif designed to bringing driver and passenger closer to a ‘shared’ experience. On each side of the main fascia, there is a choice of colored fabric or grained vinyl panels, which are complemented by matching inserts in the seats and door trims.
The center point for the ‘dual cockpit’ symmetry is a neatly integrated center stack, housing the infotainment and air conditioning displays and controls. It is mounted at a shallow angle and has a flowing, free form which eliminates straight lines and the traditional ‘picture framing’ of panels.
An AM/FM/CD audio system, with RDS digital signaling, an MP3 playback facility and two-color graphic display, is standard for base and LS variants. The LT system adds an in-dash, six-CD auto-changer and a USB socket for an iPod in the center console.
Powertrain
The all-new gasoline 1.8-liter all-aluminum gasoline engine unit with 16 valves features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides. It offers responsive performance, with 141 hp/104 kW at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of 176 Nm at 3,800 rpm, including 85% from just 2,000 rpm right up to 6,300 rpm. In terms of power output-per-liter, this engine is among the most efficient on the market.
The L is available with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the LS and the LT has a new six-speed automatic transmission, a segment ‘first’ for Chevrolet.
To find out more about the  all-new Chevy Cruze, visit the Chevy Davao showroom.