First Look video: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Aug 19, 2010 1:30 PM

Chevrolet replaces the mediocre Cobalt this September with an all-new sedan, the Cruze. Already on sale in many markets around the globe, the Cruze will give the division a much more competitive small car in the States than in the past. We borrowed one recently to give our auto engineers a chance to preview this significant new model and share their impressions in this First Look video.

The Cruze will be offered with two engines: a base 1.8-liter, four-cylinder and an up-level 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that has the potential to optimize performance and fuel economy. Both the automatic and manual transmissions offered are six-speed units. Much of the marketing attention will be on the 1.4-liter turbo, with its promised 40 mpg on the highway.

However, the bigger story is that all Cruzes, regardless of trim level or engine, are a marked improvement over the outgoing rental-ready Cobalt. Most of GM's recent small cars have been underwhelming, but in our time with the Cruze, we found it to feel substantial and much more refined. We think the car handles well, with responsive steering and a well-controlled ride. Noise levels are relatively low, and the cabin feels roomy for the class.

Part of the reason the Cruze doesn't have a bargain-basement driving experience is that it's no longer a bargain-priced car. The base LS trim level costs around $18,000 with an automatic transmission and destination charges. That gets a fairly well equipped car, with 10 air bags, stability control, OnStar, air conditioning, power amenities, and keyless entry. Start adding options and moving up through the trim lines and it's pretty easy to get the Cruze over $20,000. This is unheard of territory for a domestic small car, with a higher price than competitors from Kia and Hyundai. The Cruze's pricing is in line with a Honda Civic, a high-priced benchmark of the small car segment. At this price, a four-cylinder Malibu after incentives comes within reach.

Price concerns aside, the Cruze has much promise, and we are looking forward to purchasing a production example and running it through our exhaustive test regimen when it goes on sale.

Watch the video for our first impression, and see the video preview from the 2010 Detroit auto show.

—Jeff Bartlett