What is it?
This is the 2016 MY Chevrolet Cruze that has been tasked with taking on fellow D Segment sedans till the new Cruze comes along next year. As far as updates are concerned, this is the third one GM India has given the sedan since it’s launch in 2009. Back then, it took the market by storm as it attracted many prospective buyers away from the Honda Civic. However, over the years, the Cruze has lost some of it’s sheen to younger, more modern rivals. Even the segment, as such, has come under attack from SUVs at both ends. To keep it in the game, Chevrolet has meted out the usual Facelift treatment – new front end, a handful of additional chrome bits and a couple of new features. But at its heart, the Cruze continues to be propelled by 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel motor, which earned it the nickname ‘diesel rocket’. So has GM done enough to keep the Cruze in business for at least another year? Read our 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review here for all answers.
What’s New?
Chevrolet has given the 2016 Cruze an updated front fascia that features a new front grille and a revised bumper. The grille gets the same two-part structure as earlier, but has been re-profiled and infused with a healthy bit of chrome. Speaking of the chrome, there are thick chrome surrounds around the projector fog lamps as well. The chrome appliques here also feature LED daytime running lights. Rounding up the exterior modifications is a neatly integrated boot lip spoiler. The Facelift does help add a bit of freshness to the design, but, then again, facelifts are like botox – sure they make you look younger, but everyone knows exactly how old you are.
The Cruze’s cabin has aged much better than its exteriors. Even by today’s standards, the dashboard feels modern and offers everything one would expect from a D-segment sedan. The one major talking point here is the addition of the 7-inch MyLink infotainment system. While the system itself is smooth and performs well, there is an ergonomic issue as it feels a bit hard to reach to. Everything else has been carried over including the cool-looking dials for the instrument binnacle, black leather upholstery and the sunroof. Chevrolet could have thrown in a new set of alloys and rear AC vents for the facelift, but this isn’t really a deal breaker.
What’s it Like to Drive?
Luckily, Chevy hasn’t fiddled with the engine at all. So the 2.0-litre turbo diesel still puts out a class-leading 165 PS and 360 Nm. Of course, there’s a lot more to performance than just raw power, but it does help the Cruze make a very strong case for itself. Our test unit came with a 6-speed AT, which goes about its task fairly well. The power output is pretty linear and the lag is well controlled. Even while cruising, a slight dab of the throttle will help you overtake the fast-moving vehicles very easily. The handling department is a bit of a mixed bag. You get a pretty well weighted steering, but the suspension is a tad too soft. And more often than not, with all that power on tap, you will find yourself pushing the car. But a soft suspension ensures a comfortable ride. when tackling the bad patches of the road. Overall, the Chevy Cruze offers a sufficiently enjoyable drive. As we mentioned earlier, the Facelift is purely superficial, so the Cruze remains as eager as before.
Final Word
At a starting price of INR 13.95 lacs (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Chevrolet Cruze is a lot of car for the money. The facelift might have made it a bit soft on the outside, but the Cruze is still a handsome car. Also, the addition of bits like a touchscreen infotainment system along with LED DRLs brings it at par with the competition. However, it is what lies under the hood that helps make the Cruze a very strong case for itself. At this price point, no other car offers you the kind of driving experience the Cruze does. Sure, the steering could have been better and the suspension a bit tauter, but the Cruze still manages to offer a very engaging driving experience. One could argue that the Skoda Octavia is better in this respect, but it’s also INR 4 lacs pricier than this Chevy. Coming back to our initial question – Has GM done enough to keep the Cruze in business for at least another year? Simply put, yes! The facelift works well as a reminder of how capable the sedan is. Believe you me, this is possibly the best time to buy the Chevrolet Cruze.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Video
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Specifications
| Length x Width x Height | 4597x1788x1477 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 16” Alloys |
| Boot Space | 470 L |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 2.0 LVCDi Turbocharged Diesel |
| Power | 164 bhp |
| Torque | 380 Nm |
| Top Speed | -NA- |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | -NA- |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
| Mileage | 17.3 kpl/14.81 kpl |
| Air Conditioner Type | Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Windows | Yes (4) |
| Central Locking | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | Yes |
| Audio System | Yes (Touchscreen) |
| Airbags | Yes (2) |
| ABS | Yes |
Price List
| Variant | Price |
| LT | INR 13.95 lacs |
| LTZ | INR 15.95 lacs |
| LTZ AT | INR 16.95 lacs |
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Images
Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more on the Chevrolet Cruze. Also, watch this space for more posts like the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze test drive review we have here. So, what do you feel about our 2016 Chevrolet Cruze test drive review? Do share your views by penning them down in the comments section.
