Its called the Cruze, the latest offering from GM's Chevrolet division. It may well have been called the Phoenix, the mythical bird that rose from the ashes. Earlier this year, General Motors shares were selling for less than the price of a spark plug. Then they went belly up. The US Government had to bail the company out.The Cruze is a well-designed car without head-turning looks, but the fact this has a 2-litre VCDi diesel engine which is certified by ARAI to give 18.3 km per litre will surely turn heads. The most unusual feature of the car is the keyless entry. You do not have to use a key to open the door. The key should be in your possession; just walk up to the car, pull the door handle and it will open. No fumbling in the dark, no pushing buttons on the key fob for remote unlocking or locking.
The second unique feature is the start/stop button. Again, no key is required to fire up the engine, just push the start button, press the clutch, press the start button again and the car will start. At the end of the drive, push the same button to kill the engine. Wiggle the steering left and right and it will lock automatically.
This passive entry, passive start system is called PEPS. Other than the convenience of working without the key, the reason for a start/stop button is to help the elderly with arthritis. A driver with an arthritic wrist has a hard time reaching behind the steering wheel, inserting the key and turning it to start the engine.
Another unique concept is the system the rain-sensing wipers. A few drops of rain will activate the wipers at a slow speed. If the rain becomes heavy, the wipers speed up.
After having figured out the automatic lock/open system, getting in is quite easy. The doors close with a heavy thud, a reassuring sound that promises safety. The doors have in-built side impact beams. The seats are comfortable, upholstered in leather. This gives a smooth but firm feel. The front two seats are dual cockpit style, inspired by the famous Corvette sports car from Chevy.
The steering is leather, is tilt and telescopic, and has audio controls and cruise control built into the steering wheel. Though how practical cruise control will be on Indian roads is debatable.
The dashboard is well laid out. A very aesthetic touch is the ice-blue back-lit dashboard with dimming facilities. An on-board computer monitors fuel consumption and calculates the average. It also figures out the speed average.
The centre console is referred to as the smart screen display. You can set the A/C with climate control, which has an air quality system (AQS) that keeps the inside air fresh at all times. The outside temperature reading helps setting the climate control. The centre console also houses a 6-CD changer with MP3 compatibility other than graphic infotainment for the radio.
Everything you want is found in the Cruze. Airbags, ABS, disc brakes on all four wheels, a safety cage with tubular steel bars, the likes of which can be seen on rally cars. There are front and rear-end crumple zones. A very responsive hydraulic power rack and pinion steering is standard. A McPherson strut suspension on the front and a U-shaped rear suspension with torsion beam and gas-charged shock absorbers ensure a smooth and sure ride.
Cup holders, cubby holes and a huge glove box (which houses the fuse box) for the passenger are added attractions.
The sheet metal used in the body construction is 65 per cent stainless steel. The Cruze is the biggest car in the segment size-wise, with a length of 4597mm, 1788 mm width, 1477m height, a wheel base of 2658 mm and a ground clearance of 165 mm.
GM refers to it as the next step VCDi with VGT variable geometry turbocharger. This is supposed to give excellent throttle response. I don't agree with this. The initial throttle response, when you floor the accelerator, is sluggish. It is only at 1600 rpm. A different gear ratio could help the performance.
The engine is 2-litre with single overhead cam SOHC, 4 cylinders and 16 valves. This pumps out a 150 bhp and an awesome 327 nm of torque at 2600 rpm.
Sunroof, heated and folding ORVMs, anti-glare mirrors the Cruze has everything you can think of and want in a super-luxury sedan. It boots the C category to C Plus, which means that at a price of Rs 11 lakh (approx) for the LT base model, and Rs 12.50 lakh (approx) for the LTZ, it is set to do battle with the likes of the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, the Skoda Laura and the Camry. The Cruze is a global product and may very well turn around GM's fortunes.
Happy motoring.
